Diagnostic Testing

A number of different tests and procedures help physicians diagnose breast cancer.

• Mammogram:An X-ray of the breast that can reveal small lumps much earlier than they can be felt in an exam. (For information on preparing for a mammogram, see scheduling appointments.)
• Ultrasound: Sound waves that produce detailed pictures of tissues.
• Sentinal Node Mapping: A procedure that maps how cancer might be spreading through the lymph nodes. Through a radioactive tracer and/or use of dye, surgeons can identify and remove the primary nodes that could carry cancerous cells to the rest of the body.
• Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope to check for signs of cancer. If a lump in the breast is found, the doctor may need to cut out a small piece of the lump. A pathologist views the tissue under a microscope to look for cancer cells. The four types of biopsies are:
• Excisional biopsy: The removal of an entire lump or suspicious tissue.
• Incisional biopsy: The removal of part of a lump or suspicious tissue.
• Core biopsy: The removal of part of a lump or suspicious tissue using a wide needle.
• Needle biopsy or fine-needle aspiration biopsy: The removal of part of a lump, suspicious tissue, or fluid, using a thin needle.
• Estrogen and progesterone receptor test: A test to measure the amount of estrogen and progesterone receptors in cancer tissue. If cancer is found in the breast, tissue from the tumor is examined in the laboratory to find out whether estrogen and progesterone could affect the way cancer grows. The test results show whether hormone therapy may stop the cancer from growing.

Treatment Options

Certain factors affect recovery and treatment options:

• The stage of the cancer (whether it is in the breast only or has spread to lymph nodes or other places in the body).
• The type of breast cancer.
• Estrogen-receptor and progesterone-receptor levels in the tumor tissue.
• A woman’s age, general health, and menopausal status (whether a woman is still having menstrual periods).
• Whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or has recurred (come back).
  Treating breast cancer requires a partnership between you and your physicians. Together, you will decide on the most effective plan for you and your needs. Often, that plan includes a multi-stage attack that combines different treatments like:
• Lumpectomy: Removal of the lump and some surrounding tissue.
• Mastectomy: Removal of the breast.
• Radiation and chemotherapy: Targeted radiation and chemical treatments.
• Reconstructive surgery: Rebuilding of the breast.

Some patients also ask for help in living a healthier lifestyle. A proper diet, regular exercise, and attention to mental health are all part of the healing process. Ask your physician or nurse about these subjects when the time is right for you.