Diagnosis of Breast Cancer Overview

If you have a symptom or a screening test result that suggests you may have cancer, your provider will conduct further tests. The first step usually involves obtaining detailed information about your’s and your family’s medical history. You will also be asked about any symptoms you may be experiencing, and about your risk factors for breast cancer and benign breast conditions.

Next, a thorough breast physical examination will be conducted in order to locate any lumps or abnormalities within the breast. Your provider will feel the texture and size of your breast, and determine the relationship to the skin and chest muscles. Any changes in the nipples or the skin of the breast will be noted. The lymph nodes under your arms and above the collarbones may be felt because swelling or firmness of these lymph nodes may indicate the spread of breast cancer.

In addition to the medical history and physical exam, imaging tests may be ordered. The two main imaging tests for diagnosing breast cancer are the mammogram and the ultrasound. The results of these tests provide pictures of tissues inside your breast. After the imaging tests, your provider may decide that no other exams are required, or she may suggest that you have a follow-up exam at a later date. In other cases, the provider may suggest that you have a biopsy to look for cancer cells.