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diagnosing and assessing breast cancer

diagnosing and assessing breast cancer

Breast cancer is diagnosed in the same way as any other breast problem by triple assessment. Triple assessment is:

- Clinical assessment

- Imaging
- Mammograms
- Ultrasound

- Needle biopsy
- Core biopsy
- Fine needle aspiration
- Mammotome biopsy

All three types of assessment are needed to ensure that the maximum possible number of cancers are found. Some cancers do not show up on mammograms, or may only show up as slight changes to the shape of the breast. It is important that you are seen by a doctor who knows what signs to look for and who can organise and interpret the correct tests.

Most of the time, all of these tests can be done on the same visit, although you will have to wait a couple of days for your biopsy result.

If your cancer was found through the screening program, you will already have had imaging and a biopsy performed. It is important that you have further clinical checks though, so that the correct treatment can be planned. Often you will be asked to have further imaging done as well. This is so that both of your breasts and your axillas (armpits) can be properly tested. If further areas of concern are found, it is important to have these biopsied before any surgery is carried out.

Treatment for your breast cancer depends on a number of factors. Most of the time, your first treatment will be surgery, although sometimes other treatments are used first to help shrink the cancer. Occasionally, you will be asked to have further investigations (such as a CT scan, abdominal ultrasound or a bone scan). Your surgeon will discuss this further with you, and explain why a particular treatment is being recommended.