Breast Health | Find Information & Specialists

The female breast consists mainly of glandular tissue and fatty tissue. After the birth of a baby, the glands—known as lobules—produce the milk essential for feeding the infant. The fatty tissue supports the breast’s shape and surrounds the milk ducts.

The most well-known breast disease is breast cancer, or mammary carcinoma. It can originate in the glandular tissue (lobular carcinoma) or in the cells of the milk ducts (ductal carcinoma).

Although breast cancer remains the most dangerous breast disease, specialists in senology also address other areas of concern.

The following diagnostic methods are used:

• Mammography
• Ultrasound
• Breast volume scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast
• Vacuum-assisted and core needle biopsies
• Minimally invasive procedures

Mammography is an X-ray examination of the female breast @ Gorodenkoff /AdobeStock

In the field of treatment, cancer therapy and breast surgery (including reconstructive surgery) play a particularly important role, such as:

• Breast-conserving surgery
• Breast removal (mastectomy)
• Lymph node resection
• Rotational and sliding flap reconstruction
• Reduction surgery (breast reduction)
• Breast reconstruction
• Fat transfer
• Augmentation (breast enlargement)

There are now numerous procedures for the treatment and follow-up care of breast cancer, including:

• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Antibody therapies
• Radiation therapy
• Supportive care
• Brachytherapy

Radiation therapy is an important part of breast cancer treatment @ My Ocean studio /AdobeStock

In recent years, human genome research has shown that breast cancer runs in families for some women.

Gene expression testing is therefore now standard practice in cancer centers and can determine whether a woman carries risk genes. 

The two best-known breast cancer risk genes are BRCA-1 and BRCA-2. The most famous carrier is the American actress Angelina Jolie.

Since 1981, the German Society for Senology (DGS) has been pooling expertise in this field within Germany. Other countries, such as Switzerland and Austria, also have their own societies for senology. The field is likewise well-established internationally, boasts first-class networks, and promotes scientific exchange.

The DGS serves as a hub and connecting force for the various disciplines. They work and conduct research together to promote women’s breast health.

Breast cancer is a major focus here as well. The medical members of the society are committed to reducing breast cancer mortality and improving women’s quality of life.

Senology is an interdisciplinary field.

Therefore, the following specialists are involved:

• Pharmacists
• Scientists
• Health insurance employees, as well as
• Self-help groups

This brings together approximately 2,000 members in an interdisciplinary network. A particular advantage of these professional associations is that they typically use internal criteria to certify the extent to which a breast health or breast cancer center adheres to and implements care standards. 

This makes it easier for patients to find information and select appropriate centers or doctors. 

Among the most important standards are:

• The professional expertise of the specialists
• The number of cases a center treats per year

The following groups of specialists, among others, work in breast medicine:

• Gynecologists
• Radiologists
• Surgeons, as well as 
• Internal medicine specialists

Radiation oncologists, pathologists, and plastic surgeons are also among the medical specialties that play a crucial role in breast cancer treatment.