Breast imaging.

Breast lumps are extremely common. The high prevalence of breast cancer in our society and increasing public awareness of screening methods make a review of breast imaging for family physicians topical. Mammography and xeromammography remain the basic tools, supplemented by sonography, guided biopsy and diaphanography, for investigating breast lumps. Galactography is the major additional investigation where nipple discharge is present. Screening programs are gaining acceptance and can significantly affect cancer mortality rates. This article discusses these issues from a primary physician's perspective.