Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Breast cancer can be diagnosed using various tests. These tests also help to find out if the cancer has spread and also to decide the most effective treatment. A definitive breast cancer diagnosis is usually done by carrying out a biopsy. Most doctors also suggest other tests if a biopsy is not possible. Some of the tests which help confirm a breast cancer is as follows:

Breast ultrasound

In a breast ultrasound, sound waves are used to make a computer picture of the inside of the breast. Ultrasound is useful for looking at some breast changes and also helps tell the difference between fluid-filled cysts and solid masses. It is also used to focus on a specific area which was found during a mammogram or any physical examination. A breast ultracound does not expose the person to radiation.

Ductogram

Ductograms,also known as “galactograms”, are  used to find the cause of nipple discharge. During a ductogram, a small amount of dye is put into one of the ducts in the nipple using a tiny plastic tube which can be seen on an x-ray. This shows if there is a mass inside the duct.

Diagnostic mammogram

Diagnostic mammograms are done by taking x-rays are of the breast. Mammograms are typically black-and-white images of the breast tissue. This sheet of film is read, or interpreted by a radiologist. A digital mammogram produces computer images instead of film. These images can be looked at from different angles and enlarged and zoomed in by the radiologist to look at any suspicious areas and can be saved in the system.

Magnetic resonance imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is helps to show if your lymph nodes are enlarged, as it is a sign of cancer. An MRI is used to look for breast cancer in women who are known to be at high risk. It may also be used to determine at which the stage the breast cancer is, after it has been found. MRI is sometimes used to look for breast tumors that do not show up on the mammograms.

Biopsy

Breast cancer diagnosis cannot be done without a biopsy. . A biopsy is the only way to tell for sure if a breast change is benign or a symptom of cancer. Even though imaging tests like the mammogram and breast ultrasound can find a suspicious area, they cannot tell whether the area is cancer. In a biopsy some cells from the suspicious area are removed to be observed under a microscope. The type of biopsy depends on the size and location of the lump and can be done using a needle or with surgery.