HOW IS BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSED?
Breast cancer can be diagnosed through multiple tests, however most people associate breast cancer diagnosis with a mammogram alone.  While most women do have regularly scheduled mammograms, other imaging systems such as an ultrasound or MRI can further confirm the detection of breast cancer.
ADDITIONAL INFO
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF BREAST CANCER?
People often times can experience certain symptoms of breast cancer. These include:
A lump in the breast or armpit
Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
Nipple discharge
Change in size or shape of the breast
Pain in any area of the breast
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Although some of these signs and symptoms can be linked to breast cancer, they could also be attributed to other medical conditions. If there are any signs or symptoms that may be worrisome, it is important to see a Doctor right away.
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While feeling a lump can be a sign that breast cancer is present, a lot of women also find out at their regular mammogram appointment, without presenting any symptoms. There are several different tests that can detect breast cancer without a previous finding of symptoms.
DIAGNOSTIC METHODS
A breast MRI may be recommended to assess the disease on an intensified level, and confirm prior exams. Â During a breast MRI, a magnet connected to a computer transmits magnetic energy and radio waves through the breast tissue. Â It scans the tissue making detailed pictures, which can help examine and tell apart normal tissue from diseased tissue.
MAMMOGRAM
WHAT IS IT?
A mammogram is a routinely administered screening recommended by a gynecologist in order to detect breast cancer. Â It is an X-ray examination of the breast.
HOW IS IT DONE?
A woman will stand in front of a special X-Ray machine, and a breast will be placed on a plastic plate. Â Another plate firmly presses the breast from above, flattening it still while the X-ray is taken. An X-ray capturing the side view of the breast will also be taken.
RESULTS
The results of a mammogram usually take a few weeks, depending on the facility. Â A radiologist will review the X-rays and then report the results to the woman and her doctor.
ULTRASOUND
An ultrasound is another method to detect breast cancer, and can sometimes be requested by the doctor when a suspicious site is detected on the mammogram. A breast ultrasound is a scan that uses penetrating sound waves, which the tissue defects. The computer paints a picture of what's going on inside the breast.
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The ultrasound produces a "sonogram", which is a detailed pictured of what is inside the breast. It can provide evidence about whether the lump is a solid mass or a cyst.
MRI
An ultrasound is another method to detect breast cancer, and can sometimes be requested by the doctor when a suspicious site is detected on the mammogram. A breast ultrasound is a scan that uses penetrating sound waves, which the tissue defects. The computer paints a picture of what's going on inside the breast.
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The ultrasound produces a "sonogram", which is a detailed pictured of what is inside the breast. It can provide evidence about whether the lump is a solid mass or a cyst.
BIOPSY
A breast biopsy is a test that removes tissue from the suspicious area, which is then examined under a microscope and then checked for cancer. Â This is the only procedure that can definitely determine if the suspicious area is cancerous. Â There are three types of biopsies: Fine-needle aspirations, core-needle, or surgical. Â The appearance, size, and location of the suspicious area help a doctor decide which type of biopsy to recommend.