How is breast cancer diagnosed in Israel?

Everyone knows that for qualitative treatment, diagnosis is necessary. Today one of the recognized leaders in the fight against cancer is Israel, and many countries are equal to the healthcare system of this state. Moreover, many of the therapeutic and diagnostic techniques that are used around the world are developments of Israeli scientists. So, what examinations and procedures must the patient pass before she is prescribed treatment for breast cancer in Israel?

Diagnosis of breast cancer in Israel

It all starts with a survey, on the basis of which the medical history is formed. Next, an examination is carried out by a specialist (mammalogy-oncologist) during which the breast surface is examined, the contours are symmetrical. Also by the method of palpation, the doctor checks the structure of the mammary glands, and looks for seals in the region of the chest and axillary cavities.

The next stage in the diagnosis of breast cancer is the passage of mammography and ultrasound.

Mammography is called radiographic examination of the breast by one of two methods:

1. Computer mammography - X-ray image processing using a special computer program;
2. Digital mammography - to get a picture is not using an x-ray machine, but a special detector.

Ultrasound examination in combination with mammography makes it possible to reveal solid formations, cysts and tumors of benign and malignant nature.

In the event that the patient finds suspicious formations, additional studies will be assigned.

Laboratory research in the diagnosis of breast cancer in Israel

Today, in order to determine the course of treatment for breast cancer in Israel, the following laboratory tests are used:

1. The study of the growth of HER-2 protein using FISH technology, which is based on the study of processes occurring in chromosomes. Immunological staining can also be used;
2. The analysis of blood for the maintenance in it of oncomarkers (the substances which occurrence is characteristic for concrete variety of a cancer), namely CEA and СА 15-3. It should be noted that this method does not make it possible to accurately determine the presence of the disease and is therefore used to ascertain the preliminary diagnosis;
3. Prostheron and estrogen hormone sensitivity testing , which can be used to determine the course of hormonal treatment of breast cancer in Israel;
4. Study of DNA of tumor tissues (cytometry) to determine its degree of aggression;
5. Checking the presence of cancer cells in the circulatory system by means of STS analysis. Based on the results obtained with this study, you can make a forecast for the development of the tumor and choose a treatment program.

If laboratory tests, mammography and ultrasound studies indicate that the patient has tumor formations in the mammary gland region, the diagnosis of breast cancer in Israel involves a biopsy. This study is that doctors take a sample of affected tissues and study them in the laboratory.

Today, when diagnosing breast cancer in Israel, the following types of biopsies are used:

1. Nuclear-needle biopsy or TRUCUT is to obtain a tissue sample under local anesthesia with a thin needle;
2. Fine needle biopsy or FNA involves the use of a special syringe and does not require hospitalization or anesthesia. It is often used to collect samples from mobile tumors using X-ray and ultrasound navigation for more accurate targeting;
3. In order to make sure that malignant formations do not pass to the lymph nodes, a biopsy of the sentinel lymph node is made;
4. Also a biopsy using vacuum suction and mammot technology (introduction of a special sensor into tumor tissues) are used.

Today, often used magnetic resonance imaging (allows to localize multiple lesions) and positron emission tomography (detection of distant foci and metastases). Previously, instead of PET-CT, isotope scanning of the skeleton and computed tomography were used.

In addition, ultrasound of the liver may be prescribed , since malignant breast formations often metastasize to this organ.