The value of sonography in breast disease management at Mulago hospital

Seventy one consecutive patients presenting with breast symptoms to Mulago Hospital Radiology Department for the years 1990 and 1991 underwent breast sonography. They in addition all had conventional mammography performed. The results of sonography were analysed taking into consideration the clinical picture and mammographic findings. Breast biopsies were done where necessary. Abnormal sonographies were seen almost exclusively in patients with palpable lumps. The lesions were largely hypoechoic. Chronic inflammatory masses and carcinoma had similar appearance. Fibroadenosis a common entity showed no sonographic abnormality. Cystic lesions were well demonstrated with Ultrasound. Ultrasound is useful as a complementary breast imaging technique to mammography. It is ideal in demonstrating cystic lesions but shows no specific pictures for carcinoma. It cannot be used for routine screening

Mammography : to have or to have not? : the Seychelles perspective

The increasing use of mammography; both for diagnostic purposes and in screening programmes; is now well established. This brief review attempts to define and to outline some of the uses of mammography in current surgical practice; and to suggest that the introduction of mammographic facilities to the Seychelles should be seriously considered as an important advance in the management of women with breast disorders and in the earlier detection of breast cancer