Patient Information
When a client is referred to the Specialist Breast Care Unit, they will have imaging performed and a clinical assessment. The clinical assessment involves a discussion of the associated symptoms and a clinical breast examination. Diagnostic imaging will then be carried out based on each client's unique situation.
Mammography
A diagnostic mammogram is an x-ray exam of a woman's breast. It is performed on women who are having a problem such as a lump or unusual nipple discharge or pain. A routine or screening mammogram consists of four views—two views of each breast. The technologist takes the pictures and checks them for quality. With a diagnostic mammogram, you start with four standard views, and then supplement them with additional views, a physical exam, an ultrasound and MRI as needed. A diagnostic mammogram is generally read by the radiologist right after it has been done.
Breast Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound exams do not use ionizing radiation (as used in x-rays). Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the body's internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels.
Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Ultrasound imaging of the breast produces a picture of the internal structures of the breast.
Breast Biopsy
A breast biopsy is a procedure in which part or all of a suspicious breast growth is removed and examined, usually for the presence of cancer. The growth sample is suctioned out through a needle or cut out using a surgical procedure. The sample is then examined and evaluated under a microscope by a pathologist to identify non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant) tissue.
Words used to refer to the abnormal area or growth before and after diagnosis may include lump, mass, lesion, and tumor. The basic aim of a breast biopsy is to determine whether or not a worrisome lump is cancer and, if it is cancer, what type it is. When no cancer is detected, the diagnosis of a benign or harmless lump is reassuring.
Results
Whether you have an open surgical or a minimally invasive breast biopsy, the tissue analysis will show if a breast lesion or abnormality is cancerous. The breast biopsy results are generally returned from the lab within a couple of days of the biopsy procedure. Your doctor will schedule time to review and discuss the findings with you.
Waiting for the results can be an unnerving experience. You may find yourself fearing the worst - a positive, or breast cancer diagnosis. However, it is important to remember that 80% of all breast biopsies do not turn out to be breast cancer. Even so, you may want to bring a friend or family member to the doctor visit for support.