Cancer survivorship is of increasing importance in post-treatment care. Sexual health (SH) and femininity can be crucial issues for women surviving cancer. We aimed to determine a more complete ...understanding of the contribution that a breast cancer (BC) diagnosis and its treatment exert on patients' follow-up SH. For this purpose, self-reported levels and predictors of SH in breast cancer survivors (BCS) were compared with those of women with no previous or current BC (WNBC).
BCS and WNBC underwent a comprehensive, cross-sectional patient-reported outcome (PRO) assessment. Validated PRO instruments were used to measure SH, body image, anxiety and depression and menopausal symptoms. Assessments were performed within the routine clinical setting. Instruments used were the Sexual Interest and Desire Inventory - Female, Sexual Activity Questionnaire, Body Image Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire.
One hundred five BCS (average time since diagnosis of 3 years) and 97 WNBC with a mean age of 49 years completed the assessment. SH was significantly worse in BCS compared to WNBC (p = 0.005; BCS SIDI-F mean = 24.9 vs. WNBC mean = 29.8). 68.8% of BCS and 58.8% of WNBC met criteria of a hypo-active sexual desire disorder. Higher depressive symptoms, higher age and lower partnership satisfaction were predictive for poorer SH in BCS.
SH problems are apparent in BCS and differ significantly from those seen in the general population. Consequently, BC survivorship care should include interventions to ameliorate sexual dysfunction and provide help with depressive symptoms and partnership problems, which are associated with poor BCS SH.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
It has been demonstrated that a reliable and fail-safe sequencing strategy is mandatory for high-quality analysis of mitochondrial (mt) DNA, as the sequencing and base-calling process is prone to ...error. Here, we present a high quality, reliable and easy handling manual procedure for the sequencing of full mt genomes that is also appropriate for laboratories where fully automated processes are not available.
We amplified whole mitochondrial genomes as two overlapping PCR-fragments comprising each about 8500 bases in length. We developed a set of 96 primers that can be applied to a (manual) 96 well-based technology, which resulted in at least double strand sequence coverage of the entire coding region (codR).
This elaborated sequencing strategy is straightforward and allows for an unambiguous sequence analysis and interpretation including sometimes challenging phenomena such as point and length heteroplasmy that are relevant for the investigation of forensic and clinical samples.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
To evaluate the diagnostic utility of the maximum ultrasound strain elastography (SE) halo depth in newly diagnosed and histologically confirmed breast lesions, a retrospective study approval was ...granted by the local Ethical Review Board. Overall, the maximum strain elastography peritumoural halos (SEPHmax)-the maximum distance between the SE stiffening area and the B-mode lesion size-in 428 cases with newly diagnosed breast lesions were retrospectively analysed alongside patient age, affected quadrant, tumour echogenicity, size, acoustic shadowing, and vascularity. Statistical analysis included an ordinary one-way ANOVA to compare the SEPHmax between BI-RADS 2, 3, and 5 groups and between tumour grades 1, 2, and 3. A binary regression analysis was used to determine the correlation between tumour malignancy and the above-mentioned demographic and imaging factors. SEPHmax was significantly higher in BI-RADS 5 tumours (5.5 ± 3.9 mm) compared to BI-RADS 3 (0.9 ± 1.7 mm,
< 0.0001) and 2 (0.6 ± 1.4 mm,
< 0.0001). The receiver operating characteristic area under the curve was 0.933 for the detection of BI-RADS 5 lesions. Furthermore, tumour grades 2 (5.6 ± 3.6 mm,
= 0.001) and 3 (6.8 ± 4.2 mm,
< 0.0001) exhibited significantly higher SEPHmax than grade 1 tumours (4.0 ± 3.9 mm). Similarly, St. Gallen Ki67-stratified low-risk (
= 0.005) and intermediate-risk (
= 0.013) tumours showed smaller SEPHmax than high-risk tumours. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant correlation between malignant differentiation and SEPHmax (standardized regression coefficient 3.17 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.42-3.92,
< 0.0001), low tumour echogenicity (1.68 95% CI 0.41-3.00,
= 0.03), and higher patient age (0.89 95% CI 0.52-1.26,
< 0.0001). High SEPHmax is a strong predictor for tumour malignancy and a higher tumour grade and can be used to improve tumour characterisation before histopathological evaluation. It may also enable radiologists to identify lesions warranting observation rather than immediate biopsy.
Compared to conventional 2D mammography, digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) offers greater breast lesion detection rates. Ring-like hypodense artifacts surrounding dense lesions are a common ...byproduct of DBT. This study's purpose was to assess whether minuscule changes spanning this halo-termed the "broken halo sign"-could improve lesion classification.
This retrospective study was approved by the local ethics review board. After screening 288 consecutive patients, DBT studies of 191 female participants referred for routine mammography with a subsequent histologically verified finding of the breast were assessed. Examined variables included patient age, histological diagnosis, architectural distortion, maximum size, maximum halo depth, conspicuous margins, irregular shape and broken halo sign.
While a higher halo strength was indicative of malignancy in general (
= 0.031), the broken halo sign was strongly associated with malignancy (
< 0.0001, odds ratio (OR) 6.33), alongside architectural distortion (
= 0.012, OR 3.49) and a diffuse margin (
= 0.006, OR 5.49). This was especially true for denser breasts (ACR C/D), where the broken halo sign was the only factor predicting malignancy (
= 0.03, 5.22 OR).
DBT-associated halo artifacts warrant thorough investigation in newly found breast lesions as they are associated with malignant tumors. The "broken halo sign"-the presence of small lines of variable diameter spanning the peritumoral areas of hypodensity-is a strong indicator of malignancy, especially in dense breasts, where architectural distortion may be obfuscated due to the surrounding tissue.
In Tyrol, Austria, the existing system of spontaneous mammography screening was switched in 2007 to an organised program by smoothly changing the established framework. This process followed most EU ...recommendations for organised mammography screening with the following exceptions: women aged 40-49 are part of the target population, screening is offered annually to the age group 40-59, breast ultrasound is available as an additional diagnostic tool, and double reading has not yet been implemented. After a pilot phase the program was rolled out to all of Tyrol in June 2008. The aim of this study was to analyse the performance of the organised screening system by comparing quality indices and recommended levels given in the well-established EU guidelines.
Working from the results of the pilot phase, we extended the organised mammography system to all counties in Tyrol. All women living in Tyrol and covered by compulsory social insurance were invited for a mammography, in the age group 40-59 annually and in the age group 60-69 biennially. Screening mammography was offered mainly by radiologists in private practice, with further assessment performed at hospitals. Using the screening database, all well-established performance indicators were analysed and compared with accepted/desired levels as per the EU guidelines.
From June 2008 to May 2009, 120,440 women were invited. Per 1000 mammograms, 14 women were recalled for further assessment, nine underwent biopsy and four cancer cases were detected. Of invasive breast cancer cases, 32.3% and 68.4% were ≤ 10 mm and ≤ 15 mm in size, respectively, and 79.2% were node-negative. The positive predictive value for further assessment and for biopsy was 25.9% and 39.9%, respectively. Estimated two-year participation rate was 57.0%. In total, 14 interval cancer cases were detected during one year of follow-up; this is 18.4% of the background incidence rate.
In Tyrol, Austria, an organised mammography screening program was implemented in a smooth transition from an existing spontaneous screening system and was completely rolled out within a short time. The high level of performance already seen in the pilot phase was maintained after rollout, and improvements resulting from the pilot phase were affirmed after one year of complete rollout.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
•True interval and occult carcinomas each account for one third of interval carcinomas in mammography screening.•Another third of interval carcinoma cases is caused by reading errors.•Interval ...carcinomas occur mostly in younger patients with high breast density.•True interval carcinomas exhibit a more aggressive phenotype and grow faster.
Interval breast carcinomas (IBC) constitute a subgroup of malignancies in women participating in a breast cancer screening programme, yet diagnosed outside of a screening appointment. Tyrol is an Austrian screening model region with a dedicated IBC board. We analysed IBC subtype distribution, demographic and biological parameters and implications for screening programmes.
161 patients with an IBC diagnosed from 2014 to 2017 were retrospectively analysed and grouped into true, occult, minimal-signs, and false negative (due to reading or technical error) IBCs cases by three independent readers. The influence of demographic and disease-related covariates were assessed.
The median interval from screening to diagnostic diagnosis was 12.8 months (range 1.1 to 23.9 months). Most cases were true (36.02%), occult (31.06%) and false-negative IBCs due to reading errors (29.81%). Interobserver agreement was rated as ‘high’ between all readers. Higher breast density was associated with true and occult IBCs. The rate of invasive subtypes was highest in true IBCs. Regardless of smaller tumour size in true and occult IBCs, doubling time was lower and ki-67 index higher in true and occult compared to false-negative IBCs.
True and occult IBCs present with a more aggressive biological phenotype and are associated with younger age and higher breast density. Additional yearly ultrasound examinations in women at risk may aid in the earlier detection.
Efficiency and efficacy of organised mammography screening programs have been proven in large randomised trials. But every local implementation of mammography screening has to check whether the well ...established quality standards are met. Therefore it was the aim of this study to analyse the most common quality indices after introducing organised mammography screening in Tyrol, Austria, in a smooth transition from the existing system of opportunistic screening.
In June 2007, the system of opportunistic mammography screening in Tyrol was changed to an organised system by introducing a personal invitation system, a training program, a quality assurance program and by setting up a screening database. All procedures are noted in a written protocol. Most EU recommendations for organised mammography screening were followed, except double reading. All women living in Tyrol and covered by social insurance are now invited for a mammography, in age group 40-59 annually and in age group 60-69 biannually. Screening mammography is offered mainly by radiologists in private practice. We report on the results of the first year of piloting organised mammography screening in two counties in Tyrol.
56,432 women were invited. Estimated participation rate was 34.5% at one year of follow-up (and 55.5% at the second year of follow-up); 3.4% of screened women were recalled for further assessment or intermediate screening within six months. Per 1000 mammograms nine biopsies were performed and four breast cancer cases detected (N = 68). Of invasive breast cancer cases 34.4% were ≤ 10 mm in size and 65.6% were node-negative. In total, six interval cancer cases were detected during one year of follow-up; this is 19% of the background incidence rate.
In the Tyrolean breast cancer screening program, a smooth transition from a spontaneous to an organised mammography screening system was achieved in a short time and with minimal additional resources. One year after introduction of the screening program, most of the quality indicators recommended by the European guidelines had been reached.However, it will be necessary to introduce double reading, to change the rule for BI-RADS 3, and to concentrate on actions toward improving the participation rate.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
To compare contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) with mammography (Mx), ultrasound (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) regarding breast cancer detection rate and preoperative local ...staging.
This prospective observational, single-centre study included 128 female patients (mean age 55.8 ± 11.5 years) with a newly diagnosed malignant breast tumour during routine US and Mx were prospectively enrolled. CESM and MRI examinations were performed within the study. Analysis included interreader agreement, tumour type and grade distribution, detection rates (DR), imaging morphology, contrast-enhancement and was performed by two independent readers blinded to patient history and histopathological diagnosis. Assessment of local disease extent was compared between modalities via Bland-Altman plots.
One-hundred-and-ten tumours were classified as NST (85.9%), 4 as ILC (3.1%) and 10 as DCIS (7.8%). DR was highest for MRI (128/128, 100.0%), followed by US (124/128, 96.9%) and CESM (123/128, 96.1%) and lowest for conventional Mx (106/128, 82.8%) (p = 0.0002). Higher breast density did not negatively affect DR of US, CESM or MRI. Local tumour extent measurements based on CESM (Bland-Altman bias 6.6, standard deviation 30.2) showed comparable estimation results to MRI, surpassing Mx (23.4/43.7) and US (35.4/40.5). Even though detection of multifocality and multicentricity was highest for CESM and MRI (p < 0.0001), second-look rates, i.e., targeted US examinations after MRI or CESM, were significantly lower for CESM (10.2% of cases) compared to MRI (16.2%) with a significantly higher true positive rate for CESM (72.0%) vs. MRI (42.5%).
CESM is a viable alternative to MRI for lesion detection and local staging in newly diagnosed malignant breast cancer and provides higher specificity in regard to second-look examinations.
The first sentence of the results in the abstract section had been incorrectly published in the original publication. The complete correct result section is given below.
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