Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer

Diagnosis

The diagnosis may be established by a careful physical examination, mammography, ultrasonography and, if needed, a biopsy.

 Physical Examination

• The doctor or healthcare provider will examine the breasts using visual inspection and palpation.
• Visual inspection looks for changes in breast contour, new dimpling, nipple inversion, discharge, moles, puckering or persistent sores.
• Palpation using the pads of the fingers to press down and feel the tissue around the breasts for any unusual lumps.

 Mammography

• An x-ray of the breast that reveals any suspicious areas.
• The breast is placed between two plates for a few seconds while the x-rays are taken.
• If something appears abnormal, or better views are needed, magnified views or specially angled films are taken during the mammogram.
• It detects tumors before they can be felt and they can also identify tiny specks of calcium that could be an early sign of cancer.

• Woman should get a yearly mammogram starting at age 40.

 Ultrasonography

• Ultrasonography uses high frequency sound waves that enter the breast and bounce back.
• The pattern of their echoes produces a picture called a sonogram that detects whether the breast lump is solid (possibly cancerous) or filled with fluid (non-cancerous).

Biopsy

• If further tests are needed, the doctor will recommend a biopsy. There are three ways to do breast biopsies:

1. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) - uses a fine needle, inserted into the breast tissue, to withdraw cells from the suspicious area.

2. Core Tissue Breast Biopsy - uses large core needle in a spring-loaded device that removes "cores" or plugs of tissue from the suspicious area. 

3. Surgical Biopsy - the surgical removal of part or all of the lump or suspicious area.

Source:
TMC Cancer Center, Breast Unit
www.breastreconstruction.org

Note:   This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advise, diagnosis or treatment.   If you or someone you know have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek professional help.

If you so desire, we will coordinate a referral for you with any of our Breast Unit Staff. We will also gladly collaborate with your own physicians for any concern. Please call:

BREAST CENTER

Tel. No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 Ext. 6527

CANCER CENTER

Tel. No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 Ext. 6214

CENTER FOR PATIENT PARTNERSHIP

Tel. No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 Ext. 6444