90972 - Level I Breast Care (RN)

Learning outcomes

The student acquires the knowledge of the standard mammography projection and to recognize the correctness criteria, the accurate description of a screening program, first-level investigations such as magnification, stereotaxy, X-ray of the operative piece, tomosynthesis and its use, new equipment and methodologies, acquires particular techniques of interview with the patient.

Course contents

Notes of anatomy, physiology and pathology of the breast;

The breast cancer and the importance of early detection;

Organization of a mammography screening program, compilation of the anamnestic form and family hair risk form;

Psychological and relational aspects;

Breast diagnostic path and role of TSRM in the Breast Unit:

• Level I investigations and diagnostic insights
• Notes on Level II Investigations (Tomosynthesis, Cesm, Dual Energy, Magnetic Resonance)
• Interventional notes (Breast biopsy under stereotactic or ultrasound guidance)
• Pre-surgical diagnostic path (trace of charcoal, Roll, sentinel lymphnode)
• Notes on breast surgery
• Study of the operating piece
• Notes on breast cancer therapy
• Notes on the follow-up of operated patients

Mammography equipment;

Dosimetric aspects in mammography;

Level I mammography technique (positioning, correctness criteria and radiographic anatomy):

• Standard projections
• Special projections

Diagnostic insights:

• Direct magnification
• Targeted compression
• Galactography
• Tomosynthesis

Special situations:

• Breast study with implants
• Study of the male breast
• Study of the operated breast

Mammography artifacts;

Discussion of clinical cases.

Readings/Bibliography

The main sources used are (in italian language):

• Mammografia: manuale teorico-patico per Tecnici di Radiologia Medica. S.Pacifici
• Lo standard di qualità nella mammografia di screening. S.Pacifici
• Protocollo di valutazione della qualità tecnica dell’esame mammografico. Programma di screening mammografico della Regione Emilia Romagna. – ISSN 2464 – 9252 N° 95 – 2017
• Focus on Senonetwork: approccio diagnostico nelle donne con protesi mammarie. A.P.S.Senonetwork Italia Onlus – Maggio 2021

The updated bibliography will be announced at the beginning of the course and all the slides will be delivered to the students.

Teaching methods

Frontal interactive lessons and discussion of clinical cases.

Viewing mammography examinations and discussion on imaging quality (evaluation of correctness criteria and presence of any artifacts).

Assessment methods

Written test with multiple choice questions and open-ended questions.

The students who wish to revise the evaluation obtained with the written test, will be able to take an oral test on the subject in question.

Teaching tools

Pc, projector and light box.

Office hours

See the website of Antonia Gala