DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES

If your breast self-examination, clinical breast examination, or mammogram reveals any unusual findings, you may need follow-up with a diagnostic procedure. Several kinds of exams are useful in determining whether a lump or other abnormality is benign or malignant (cancer). Your doctor may recommend that one or all of the following procedures be used, which may include removing part or all of a suspicious mass in the breast. A diagnosis can then be made by a pathologist (a doctor who looks at the cells under a microscope).

Diagnostic Mammogram is a magnified X ray view of a suspicious area in the breast.

Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to tell the difference between a solid mass and a fluid-filled cyst.

Fine Needle Aspiration uses a small needle to remove a sample of cells from the breast mass for examination by a pathologist.

Biopsy is a procedure in which tissue samples are removed to find out if abnormal cells are present.

Core Biopsy uses a larger needle to remove more tissue from the lump for examination.

Stereotactic Biopsy uses an image guided needle to obtain tissue samples for diagnosis.

Surgical Biopsy removes either a portion or the entire mass for examination and diagnosis.