Scans and X-raysĪ CT scan, chest X-ray and liver ultrasound scan may be needed to check whether the cancer has spread.Īn MRI scan of the breast may be needed to clarify the results or assess the extent of the condition within the breast. If a diagnosis of breast cancer is confirmed, more tests will be needed to determine the stage and grade of the cancer, and the best method of treatment. Macmillan Cancer Support: how breast cancer in women is diagnosed.Cancer Research UK: diagnosing breast cancer.Breast Cancer Now: What to expect at a breast clinic appointment.Vacuum-assisted biopsy, also known as mammotome biopsy, is another type of biopsy.ĭuring the procedure, a needle is attached to a gentle suction tube, which helps to obtain the sample and clear any bleeding from the area. This can also distinguish it from any non-invasive change, particularly ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Your doctor may suggest that you have a guided needle biopsy, usually guided by ultrasound or X-ray, or sometimes MRI, to obtain a more precise and reliable diagnosis of cancer. You may have a local anaesthetic, which means you'll be awake during the procedure, but your breast will be numb. A sample of tissue is taken from a lump in your breast using a large needle. Needle biopsy is the most common type of biopsy. Your doctor will use a small needle to extract a sample of cells, without removing any tissue. Needle aspiration may be used to test a sample of your breast cells for cancer or drain a small fluid-filled lump (benign cyst). You may also need a scan and a needle test on lymph nodes in your armpit (axilla) to see whether these are also affected.īiopsies can be taken in different ways, and the type you have will depend on what your doctor knows about your condition. BiopsyĪ biopsy is where a sample of cells is taken from your breast and tested to see if it's cancerous. Your breast specialist may also suggest a breast ultrasound if they need to know whether a lump in your breast is solid or contains liquid.įind out more about breast screening. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce an image of the inside of your breasts, showing any lumps or abnormalities. This is because younger women have denser breasts, which means a mammogram is not as effective as ultrasound in detecting cancer. Your doctor may suggest that you only have a breast ultrasound scan if you're under the age of 35. If cancer was detected through the NHS Breast Screening Programme, you may need another mammogram or ultrasound scan. If you have symptoms and have been referred to a specialist breast unit by a GP, you'll probably be invited to have a mammogram, which is an X-ray of your breasts. If you have suspected breast cancer, either because of your symptoms or because a mammogram has shown an abnormality, you'll be referred to a specialist breast cancer clinic for further tests. The GP will examine you. If they think your symptoms need further assessment, they'll refer you to a specialist breast cancer clinic. See a GP as soon as possible if you notice any symptoms of breast cancer, such as an unusual lump in your breast or any change in the appearance, feel or shape of your breasts. ![]() You may be diagnosed with breast cancer after routine breast screening, or you may have symptoms that you've seen your GP about.
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