OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the knowledge of mammogram readers working in the public healthcare system in the State of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil, and to evaluate their progress in the early diagnosis of breast cancer after a training course specifically developed for medical professionals . MATERIALS AND METHODS: A group of 53 physicians with experience in mammography reports were invited. A pre-test was given to assess their initial knowledge level. Afterwards, they were trained by experts mammographers, and for final conclusion, requested to take a post-test for comparison and evaluation of gained knowledge. RESULTS: The course, with emphasis on theoretical classes, has not resulted in a significant improvement on the quality of mammogram reading, highlighting the persistence of errors in morphological description of fundamental lesions of the breast, in the classification of such lesions according to the BI-RADS®, besides the lack of coherence between the BI-RADS classification and follow-up recommendation as observed in both the pre- and post-test. CONCLUSION: The authors conclude that the mammogram readers have demonstrated insufficient knowledge in relation to early imaging diagnosis of breast cancer, and that the theoretical training has not resulted in a significant improvement on the quality of mammogram reading.

Keywords: Quality, Mammographic diagnosis, Technical parameters

Lymphocytic mastopathy affects both young and middle-aged women and is frequently associated with autoimmune diseases. Diagnosis is done by associating clinical (breast tissue thickening or hardened breast lump), radiological (increased breast density, presence of mass and calcifications), sonographic (nodule with posterior acoustic shadowing), histopathological (fibrosis and lymphocytic infiltrate) and immunohistochemical findings. Lymphocytic mastopathy is a benign entity that may mimic carcinoma. The authors report the case of a patient with lymphocytic mastopathy.

Keywords: Lymphocytic mastopathy; Breast cancer; Benign breast tumors.