To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: Lidocaine Gel May Ease Pain During Mammography URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/2262F2.htm Doctor's Guide July 22, 2008
OAK BROOK, Ill -- July 22, 2008 -- The simple application of a pain-relieving gel may reduce the breast discomfort some women experience during mammography examinations, according to a clinical trial published in the online edition of Radiology. "We now have something that we know reduces discomfort with screening mammography in women who expect higher discomfort -- lidocaine gel," said principal investigator Colleen Lambertz, FNP, St. Luke's Mountain States Tumor Institute, Boise, Idaho. "With a more positive experience, we hope women will undergo more regular mammography screening." "Breast tenderness, anxiety, and expectation of pain are all directly correlated with the amount of discomfort women experience with mammography," Lambertz said. The study included 418 women, aged 32 to 89 years, who expected significant discomfort with screening mammography. Of the women, 54% reported that they had probably, or definitely, delayed their mammograms due to concerns over possible discomfort. The women were randomised to receive placebos or pre-medication with acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and/or a local anaesthetic gel followed by mammography screening. The gel was applied to the skin of the breasts and chest wall and then removed 30 to 65 minutes before mammography. The gel had no effect on subsequent image quality. The results showed that oral medication produced no significant differences in breast discomfort, nor did other factors such as breast density. However, women who received a topical application of 4% lidocaine gel reported significantly less breast discomfort during mammography. In addition, 88% of women indicated they would definitely get a mammogram the following year, and 10% said they would probably get a mammogram the following year. For the study, the gel was applied by the attending nurse, but women could apply the gel at home 1 hour prior to appointment time and remove it right before undergoing the exam. "Women can now take charge of the situation," Lambertz said. "They can schedule a mammography appointment for a time in their cycle when their breasts are least tender, apply the gel at home, and drive to the appointment knowing they have taken steps toward a positive experience with this potentially life-saving procedure." SOURCE: The Radiological Society of North America --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 1999 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of P\S\L content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of P\S\L. P\S\L shall not be liable for any errors, omissions or delays in this content or any other content on its sites, newsletters or other publications, nor for any decisions or actions taken in reliance on such content. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This news story was printed from *Doctor's Guide to the Internet* located at http://www.docguide.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to News Story Page This site is maintained by webmaster@pslgroup.com Please contact us with any comments, problems or bugs. All contents Copyright (c) 1998 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved.