For breast cancer,
prevention and early detection are crucial.
For breast cancer, prevention and early detection are particularly important.
Breast conditions are closely related to gynecological issues such as premenstrual symptoms, breastfeeding and hormone treatment. Care requires a thorough understanding of gynecological conditions and female hormones.The breast clinic at 안산부인과 (AHN Gynecology) combines breast surgery and gynecology specialists for detailed examinations and treatment.
Detailed breast cancer screening
Depending on the cancer type, clinical examination, mammography and breast ultrasound are combined for personalized detailed screening.
Cancer appearing as microcalcifications
mammographydetects these changes
Cancer appearing as a lump or mass
In dense breasts, breast ultrasound can help detect small cancers.
1. Clinical breast examination
A basic examination in which the clinician inspects and palpates the breasts to assess for cancer.It can identify findings missed on self-examination and assess breast shape and overall health.
2. Mammography
X-ray mammography enables early breast cancer detection and is particularly useful for cancers identified by microcalcifications.
3. breast ultrasound
Capable of detecting masses as small as 2–3 mm, breast ultrasound is essential for assessing subtle changes and palpable lumps that mammography may miss.Breast ultrasound is painless, and the examination can be viewed in real time on the monitor.
4. Biopsy
Core needle biopsy
A spring-loaded, gun-shaped device places a grooved hollow needle in the tissue. Pulling the trigger automatically collects a sample of breast tissue.
Vacuum-assisted biopsy
For small, cystic or calcified lesions where core biopsy is insufficient, the source recommends ENCOR vacuum-assisted biopsy.
5. ENCOR vacuum-assisted lesion excision
Abnormal lesions such as microcalcifications, symptomatic benign tumors with pain or nipple discharge, and growing benign lumps may be treated without conventional surgery.
Conventional treatment vs ENCOR system
The source describes ENCOR as a breast biopsy system jointly developed by the US company C. R. Bard, with over 100 years of history, and Dr. Steve Parker, an original developer of Mammotome.
- It rapidly and accurately collects the amount of breast tissue needed without conventional surgery.
- An incision of about 3 mm leaves little visible scarring.
- The source describes minimal bleeding and pain, a short recovery and a rapid return to daily life.
| Item | Surgical incision method | ENCOR system |
|---|---|---|
| Incision scar | 2cm ~ 10cm | 0.3mm |
| Anesthesia | General anesthesia | Local anesthesia |
| Wound management | Sutures required | No sutures required |
| Duration | About 30 minutes–2 hours | About 5–30 minutes |
ENCOR procedure
The source describes a safe, quick procedure without conventional surgery.
Ultrasound is used to locate the abnormal lesion.
The area is disinfected and local anesthetic is injected through a fine needle.
The needle is positioned below the lesion, then the ENCOR system is activated.
Vacuum draws the lesion into the needle while a blade advances to cut tissue rapidly.
The cut tissue is extracted through a vacuum channel behind the needle.
Higher-risk groups for breast cancer
Check whether you may be
at higher risk of breast cancer.
- Women with a family history of breast cancer
- Women with a personal history of breast cancer
- Early first menstruation (before age 12)
- Late menopause (after age 55)
- First childbirth after age 30
- Women who have never given birth
- Women who have not breastfed
- Women with a history of endometrial, ovarian or colorectal cancer
Breast self-check
Check these signs; consult a specialist if any apply.