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.
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