	Register \| Sign-in
Home > Articles > Breast Cancer > Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Topics

morefocus Articles

	Breast Cancer
—	Breast Cancer Causes
—	Symptoms of Breast Cancer
—	Breast Cancer Diagnosis
—	Breast Cancer Prevention
—	Breast Cancer Stages
	Breast Cancer Treatment
—	Breast Cancer and Aging
—	Hormones and Breast Cancer
—	HRT and Breast Cancer
—	Male Breast Cancer
—	Types of Breast Cancer
	Breast Disease
	Breast Health
	Cosmetic Procedures
	Breasts and Pregnancy

RSS

Read Article Resources Comments

Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Health professionals use several tools to gather information about a potential cancer. Abnormal changes to a single breast, or the lymphatic system that drains it, could indicate a possible cancer. The breast exam, mammography, and breast biopsy all aid in cancer detection, diagnosis, and evaluation

Abnormalities require evaluation and a medical diagnosis. If cancer is confirmed, the diagnosis will indicate the type and stage. A prognosis can then be made based on this diagnosis and treatment options discussed.

Sponsored Results for breast cancer information

You Can Reduce Your RiskTreatment for osteoporosis reduces the risk of invasive breast cancer.
www.EVISTA.com

Breast Cancer InformationFind info on the causes, symptoms & treatment of breast cancer.
Health.com

Breast Cancer InformationFind support from survivors plus events, treatment info & resources.
www.VoicesOfMammoSite.com

The Role of the Mammogram in Diagnosis

One of the tools used in making a breast cancer diagnosis is mammography, or breast x-ray. The image is the mammogram. Lumps detected during a self exam or physical exam must always be confirmed with a mammogram. The radiologist evaluates the density differences of the breast lobes and surrounding fat.

Of interest to the radiologist is the abnormal mammogram that reveals suspicious structures such as a previously undetected breast lump. An abnormal mammogram might show calcification. A cluster of many tiny calcifications might indicate cancer.

Mammography is not failsafe: It sometimes produces false negatives or false positives. In a false negative, the mammogram fails to reveal one or more suspicious lumps. With the false positive, the "abnormal mammogram" incorrectly indicates the presence of a breast lump. The downside to a false positive is that it can lead to an unnecessary breast biopsy.

The Role of the Breast Biopsy in Diagnosis

Five main biopsy methods are used to obtain tissue suspected of being cancerous. The method used depends upon the size, location, and nature of the suspect lump.

A needle biopsy is the least invasive, is relatively quick and may be done in the surgeon's office. It does not require stitches or leave scars. The needle biopsy is used for cysts and tissue samples. A large biopsy may be required for calcium deposits, in which case a small incision may be required. In this case a needle biopsy may not be as reliable.

Surgical biopsy techniques are usually required when a breast lump is indicated but cannot be felt or a calcification is evident on the mammogram. They are also used when lesions are near the chest wall, for multiple lesions, or when masses have many tiny calcifications.

Because large masses are removed, the procedure is followed by a long recovery period and scarring will occur. Surgery is more reliable than a needle biopsy but has the risk of disfigurement.

What is Oncology?
Oncology is the branch of medicine devoted to cancer (from the Greek:o(n)glos = tumor, logos = study). In this specialty are three primary disciplines: medical, surgical or radiation oncology. Some oncologists specialize further into specific types of cancers; prostate, lung and breast, lymphoma and leukemia are examples. Pediatric oncology is recognized as a separate discipline that incorporates medicine, surgery and radiotherapy.

Glossary of Terms

If you have had a breast cancer diagnosis or have found a suspicious lump or other warning sign, here are some terms that will be used by your physician and oncologist.

areola: pigmented area around the nipple
benign: non-cancerous
biopsy: removal and examination of tissue for diagnosis
carcinoma: a cancer originating in the skin or tissues that cover or line internal organs (such as in ducts and lobes of the breast)
chemotherapy: oral or intravenous drug used to hinder cancer cell reproduction
cyst: a round, smooth-edged, fluid-filled non-cancerous lump.
lobe: a cluster of gland cells that produce milk
lymph nodes: bean-shaped structures scattered along lymphatic vessels
malignancy: cancerous growth that can invade neighboring tissues, and may metastasize
mammogram: x-ray image of a breast
mastectomy: partial or entire removal of breast
metastasis: spread of cancer cells from their source to other areas of the body
oncologist: physician trained in the treatment and care of cancer patients
radiation therapy/radiotherapy: treatment that uses high-energy radiation
sarcoma: a cancer derived from fat or connective tissue
tumor: a lump formed by a collection of abnormal cells.

Resources

Medical College of Wisconsin. (nd). Symptoms and diagnosis of breast cancer. Healthlink.

President & Fellows of Harvard College. (nd). Diagnostic tests: Mammogram. The Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide.

Sharp, P. C., Michielutte, R., Freimanis, R., Cunningham, L., Spangler, J., Burnette, V. (2003, April 14). Reported pain following mammography screening. Archives of Internal Medicine, 163(7), 833-836.

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. (2004). Biopsy. Facts for Life [806-380 5/04].

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. (2004). Mammography. Facts for Life [806-375 5/04].

Email Article

Print Article

Comment on this Article

This site is designed to provide information, not medical advice. Please consult your physician if you have any questions or concerns.