Senology is a medical discipline that deals with the function and diseases of the female breast. The structure and function of the breast is the same for all women. However, there are differences in shape, appearance and size. The predisposition to disorders, including breast cancer (breast carcinoma), also varies genetically. Senology involves many medical disciplines that work together for the health and/or cure of breast diseases.
The female breast consists mainly of glandular tissue and fatty tissue. The glands, the so-called lobules, produce the vital milk for nourishment after the birth of a baby. The fatty tissue supports the shape of the breast and surrounds the glandular ducts.
The best-known disease of the breast is breast cancer, or mammary carcinoma. This can originate from the glandular tissue (lobular carcinoma) or from the cells of the milk ducts (ductal carcinoma).
Although breast cancer is still the most dangerous disease of the breast, specialists in senology also deal with other areas.
The following examination methods are used in diagnostics:
Mammography is an X-ray examination of the female breast @ Gorodenkoff /AdobeStockIn the field of therapies, cancer treatment and breast surgery (including reconstructive surgery) have special tasks, such as
There are now numerous procedures for the treatment and follow-up treatment of breast cancer, including
Radiotherapy is an important part of breast cancer treatment @ My Ocean studio /AdobeStockIn recent years, human genome research has shown that breast cancer is familial in some women.
Gene expression tests are therefore now standard in tumor centers and can clarify whether a woman has risk genes.
The two best-known breast cancer risk genes are BRCA-1 and BRCA-2, the best-known carrier being the US actress Angelina Jolie.
The German Society of Senology (DGS) has been pooling expertise in the field within Germany since 1981. Other countries, such as Switzerland and Austria, also have their own societies for senology. The discipline also has a broad international base, has first-class networks and promotes scientific exchange.
The DGS is a meeting place and connecting tool for the specialist disciplines. They work and research together on the health of the female breast.
Breast cancer is also a high priority here. The medical members of the society are concerned with reducing mortality from breast cancer and improving women's quality of life.
Senology is an interdisciplinary subject.
The following specialists are therefore involved:
In this way, around 2,000 members currently work together on an interdisciplinary basis. A particular advantage of the specialist associations is that they usually use internal criteria to certify the extent to which a senology or breast cancer center complies with and implements the care standards.
This makes it easier for patients to obtain information and select suitable centers or doctors.
The most important standards include
The following specialist groups, among others, are active in senology:
Radio-oncologists, pathologists and plastic surgeons are also among the medical specialist groups that are very important for breast cancer treatment.
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