Breast Cancer Diagnosis
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At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) we realize that breast cancer not only affects the body, but the mind and spirit as well. We offer conventional therapies such as radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery alongside numerous complementary therapies such as nutritional support, naturopathic medicine, spiritual support, image enhancement, and mind-body medicine to support you during this difficult time.
Throughout your breast cancer journey, our team of cancer experts will empower you to make educated decisions regarding treatment that fits your lifestyle. At CTCA, we are with you every step of the way in your fight against breast cancer.
Diagnostic Tools, Tests, & Procedures
To plan your breast cancer treatment, your CTCA care team may use any number of the following diagnostic tests, tools, and procedures:
Breast exam: Your doctor may conduct a breast exam with particular attention to enlarged lumps, nodules, or breast swelling.
Mammogram: This test can detect abnormalities including cancerous nodes or masses. The newer digital mammogram uses X-ray technology to produce images of the breasts and provides a more detailed picture than did mammogram machines of the past.
Biopsy: During this procedure your doctor removes cells from the breast and inspects them under a microscope to see if they are cancerous. Local or general anesthesia may be used. Doctors use different sized needles depending on the tumor location or size. Several common types of biopsies are used to diagnose breast cancer such as: fine needle aspiration biopsy (which uses a small needle), core needle biopsy (which uses a larger needle), or surgical biopsy. In the case of a surgical biopsy, all or part of a lump is removed and checked for cancer.
Lymph node dissection/sentinel lymph node biopsy: Your doctor may perform this procedure to check for cancer in the lymph nodes. During the procedure, several lymph nodes near the breast in the underarm are removed for examination. The sentinel node is the lymph node most likely to contract cancer from another part of the body.
Ultrasound: This technology uses sound waves to produce echoes of your internal organs and soft tissues such as those of the breasts. The echoes that tumors produce are different than those of healthy tissues. An ultrasound can reveal the difference between a benign cyst and a cancerous node or mass.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This technology uses radiofrequency waves to create detailed cross-sectional images of the breasts. However, only special MRI machines are equipped to image the breasts.
PET (Positron Emission Tomography): This scan accurately pinpoints the location of cancerous cells in the body. This X-ray procedure uses a computer to generate detailed pictures of what is happening in the breasts for diagnosis and treatment.
Ductogram: In the case of nipple discharge, a ductogram may be used. A thin tube is placed near the opening of the nipple and contrast dye is injected so that ducts are visible on an X-ray.
Next Topic: Breast Cancer Staging
