Found a Breast lump. What’s next?

Steps in diagnosis of Breast Cancer

Experiencing unexpected symptoms of breast cancer can be quite alarming. Fortunately, self-breast examination or regular examination of breasts by your doctor can serve as an important factor in early diagnosis of breast cancer. If you happen to find a lump in your breast during self-examination, it is necessary to consult your doctor for further evaluation.

Although there is no single test that can help in early detection of breast cancers, a combination of self-examination and other screening methods can aid in early detection. A breast cancer diagnosis comes through different methods of diagnostic testing including a series of screening tests, which provide a foundation for your treatment plan. Let us take a look at the different steps in diagnosis of breast cancer.

Breast Ultrasound

Breast ultrasound is indicated when a suspicious lump is identified through self-breast examination or a screening mammogram. A breast ultrasound is a scan which uses sound waves penetrating through the breast tissue to determine whether the lump is a solid mass, a fluid-filled cyst or a combination of both. Solid lumps may be cancerous tumors and cysts are typically non-cancerous.

Diagnostic Mammogram

A diagnostic mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that is taken if any suspected signs of breast cancer are observed. The signs may include breast lumps, breast pain, change in shape/size of breast or nipple discharge. Diagnostic mammograms help to determine if the signs and symptoms are indicative of cancer.

They are similar to screening mammograms, except that diagnostic mammograms use specialized techniques to take multiple X-rays of the breasts in different angles to analyze the suspected area.

They provide a detailed view of the breasts and allow to specifically focus on the area of suspected breast abnormality. They also help to detect ductal carcinoma in situ, which are abnormal cells in the breast duct lining. These cells have the potential to transform into invasive cancer in some women.

Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Breast MRI’s are indicated when initial examinations are not conclusive. Detailed breast images are obtained through magnetic energy and radio waves passed through the breast tissue. These images help the doctor determine the extent of the disease and differentiate between normal and abnormal breast tissue.

Breast Biopsy

A breast biopsy is a procedure that involves examination of a tissue sample or fluid of the suspected breast region. The samples are examined under a microscope to determine the presence of cancerous cells. It is the only diagnostic procedure that definitely confirms the presence of cancer. Breast biopsy is of three types:

Fine needle aspiration: It is indicated when breast lumps are suspected to be filled with fluid and are easily accessible. A thin, fine needle is used to draw out the fluid from the lump for microscopic examination

Core needle biopsy: It is a procedure which uses a larger needle to remove a small sample of the suspected breast tissue for examination.

Surgical biopsy: It involves surgical removal of a part of the abnormal breast lump or entire lump along with a small area of the surrounding normal tissue for examination.

Lab tests

Once breast cancer is diagnosed, a number of additional laboratory tests are ordered to determine the stage of cancer and appropriate cancer treatment options. The most common tests are hormone receptor test and the HER2/neu test.