Browsing by Author "Okello, Jimmy"

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    Breast cancer detection using sonography in women with mammographically dense breasts
    (BMC medical imaging, 2014) Okello, Jimmy; Kisembo, Harriet; Bugeza, Sam; Galukande, Moses
    Mammography, the gold standard for breast cancer screening misses some cancers, especially in women with dense breasts. Breast ultrasonography as a supplementary imaging tool for further evaluation of symptomatic women with mammographically dense breasts may improve the detection of mass lesions otherwise missed at mammography. The purpose of this study was to determine the incremental breast cancer detection rate using US scanning in symptomatic women with mammographically dense breasts in a resource poor environment. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study. Women referred for mammography underwent bilateral breast ultrasound, and mammography for symptom evaluation. The lesions seen by both modalities were described using sonographic BI-RADS lexicon and categorized. Ultrasound guided core biopsies were performed. IRB approval was obtained and all participants provided informed written consent. Results: In total 148 women with mammographically dense breasts were recruited over six months. The prevalence of breast cancer in symptomatic women with mammographically dense breasts was 22/148 (15%). Mammography detected 16/22 (73%) of these cases and missed 6/22 (27%). The six breast cancer cases missed were correctly diagnosed on breast ultrasonography. Sonographic features typical of breast malignancy were irregular shape, non-parallel orientation, non circumscribed margin, echogenic halo, and increased lesion vascularity (p values < 0.005). Typical sonofeatures of benign mass lesions were: oval shape, parallel orientation and circumscribed margin (p values <0.005). Conclusion: Breast ultrasound scan as a supplementary imaging tool detected 27% more malignant mass lesions otherwise missed by mammography among these symptomatic women with mammographically dense breasts. We recommend that ultra sound scanning in routine evaluation of symptomatic women with mammographically dense breasts.
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    Medicinal plants used by communities of Ngai Subcounty, Apac District, northern Uganda
    (African Journal of ecology, 2007) Okello, Jimmy; Ssegawa, Paul
    An ethnobotanical survey was carried out in Ngai subcounty in Apac District. Three parishes of Ajerijeri, Abok A and Omach were taken as stratified sample areas in which both male and female traditional healers of different ages were interviewed. Information about the medicinal plants and traditional healing was gathered using questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, informal discussion and field excursion which yielded lists of local plant names, names of diseases treated, mode of administration and parts used. To enhance their effectiveness, medicinal plants are used in combinations to treat various ailments and the extent of knowledge of medicinal plant mixing determines the success of a traditional healer. Roots were the most commonly harvested part and this has greatly affected the regeneration of medicinal plants. It was believed that only plants collected from the wild were effective. Though not intentional, plant parts not used for medicinal purposes are sometimes destroyed in the process of harvesting. This practice, coupled with over harvesting, threatens the continued existence of these plants.