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Doctors now have a new tool that can detect breast cancer eight years before a mammogram even shows a lump. It's called a Halo Breast Pap Test. It actually tests breast fluids looking for pre-cancerous cells.
On Oct. 6, 2005 the FDA approved a new Papanicolaou (Pap) test system (Halo Breast Pap, made by NeoMatrix, LLC) to collect nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) for subsequent cytological evaluation. The collected fluid can be used in the determination and/or differentiation of normal, premalignant, and malignant cells.
Because 95% of breast cancer originates in the breast ductal system, the presence of abnormal precursor cells in NAF may allow identification of breast cancer risk up to eight years prior to the appearance of a lesion on mammogram or self-examination. This may be of particular importance among younger women with no known risk factors, for whom cancers are typically very aggressive.
The system uses adjustable breast cups to generate mild compression on both breasts while simultaneously applying heat over a five-minute cycle. Toward the end of the cycle, gentle suction is initiated to retrieve ductal fluid. The fluid comes from the ducts and glands in the breast, which is where 95 percent of breast cancers start. The fluid is sent off to a laboratory to locate cells that show abnormalities that may suggest the presence of pre-cancer or cancer."
The test is painless (a gentle kneading, like a cat pouncing on a pillow), takes five minutes and you can get your results the following week. The Halo Breast Pap is designed for younger women who often have no symptoms of breast cancer. For many women, it's a welcome change to have a tool able to detect cancer even sooner than mammogram and the earlier the detection the better.
*Please keep in mind that the Halo Breast Pap should NOT replace yearly mammograms.
Source: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/517458 and http://www1.wsvn.com/features/articles/medicalreports/MI54781/
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR PHYSICIAN AND THESE RESOURCES:
Halo Breast Pap Test
16 Technology Drive, Suite 118
Irvine, CA 92618
949-753-7844
1-800-600-2613
http://www.neomatrix.com/
http://www.neomatrix.com/about/NeoMatrix-News-and-Events.aspx (videos)
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