How are benign breast conditions and infections
diagnosed?
To diagnose a breast condition, a doctor will first
obtain a detailed medical history. This may be followed by the following
procedures:
Complete physical examinations to locate any lump and feel its characteristics
(i.e., texture, size, and relationship to the skin and chest muscles).
Physical examination will also reveal any changes in the nipples or
the skin of the breast. The doctor will look for lymph nodes under the
arm and above the collarbones.
Imaging tests, including diagnostic mammography to look for masses
and calcifications and breast ultrasound to further evaluate information
from the physical examination or mammography.
If there is discharge, other than breast milk, from the nipples, a
laboratory microscopic examination of the discharge will be requested
for.
If there is discharge, other than breast milk, from the nipples,
a ductogram x-ray of the nipples will be requested for.
If there is a suspicious area, a biopsy may be done at the site and
the tissue sent for examination.
What are the different types of biopsy?
The different types of biopsies are:
Image-guided biopsies - those aided by ultrasound or other imaging technique.
These include:
Fine needle aspiration : a very fine needle is guided into the suspicious
area and a small sample of the tissue is removed.
Core needle biopsy : a larger needle is guided into the lump to remove
a small cylinder of tissue.
Surgical biopsy : a surgical procedure is used to remove all or part
of a lump.
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