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| It is very important for you that
if you have found anything abnormal or if there
is any noticeable change since the last examination,
you must consult your doctor without any delay.
You are not the one who make the diagnosis, your
role is only to detect any of the changes during
self examination. A diagnosis of breast cancer
is terrifying fear of un known. From disease diagnosis
and during the course of treatment you can expect
to deal with the following physicians, who will
work with you in planning various phases of your
treatment. |
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Gynecologist
or internist: Orders breast screening test, primary
care given. |
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General
Surgeon: Performs the biopsy and mastectomy. |
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Pathologist: Determines the degree of malignancy by study of
the tumor. |
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Medical
Oncologist: Administers chemotherapy. |
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Radiation
Oncologist: Administers radiation therapy. |
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Plastic
Surgeon: Performs the breast reconstruction. |
| If
you have strange lump in your breast , your physician
will order tests. That might be:- |
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| Mammography |
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X-ray
mammography is the only breast imaging technique
suitable for screening. It is the most reliable
method to detect Breast Cancer & it can show
a very early cancer. It can differentiate between
cysts, fibro adenoma, other lumps and most forms
of malignant disease.
The standard mammography examination includes two
X-rays of each breast, one from above and one from
side. To get the best X-ray image, the breast is
flattened between two plastic plates. The compression
may be un comfortable but it is not harmful to
the breast and is usually not painful. Scheduling
the mammogram after the menstrual period, when
the breast are less tender will reduce the discomfort.
With the reference of ( American Cancer Society Guidelines)First baseline mammogram
should be done by age 40. After age 40 , mammogram every 1.2 years until age
50. After age 50 , mammograms done annually. Other factors, such as strong family
history or previous breast disease may indicate the need for mammography at an
early age or of frequent basis. |
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| Ultrasonography |
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This
technique is used to confirm the presence or absence
of a mass and to tell the difference between solid
masses and cysts. Ultrasonography commonly used
as Ultrasound , uses high frequency sound waves
to scan the tissue of the breast. It sends sound
waves through the breast , and when some thing
solid gets in their way , they bounce back. The
entire process is viewed on a video screen, and
photographs are made to significant views.. |
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| Biopsy |
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If the
doctor suspects that a mass is breast cancer, he
or she may perform a biopsy. In a biopsy, a piece
of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope.
Types of biopsy are:- |
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• Surgical
Biopsy
It is a painless , valuable , out patient
diagnostic technique in which fluid is drawn
from the breast lump with a fine needle. The
specimen forwarded to an expert pathologist for
further investigation. |
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• Excisional
Biopsy
It is still the predominant method
of confirming a suspicion of cancer. It involves
a patient having a general or local anesthetic,
and a small incision being made in the breast
so that a portion of tissues or even a whole
lump can be removed and examined under the microscope. |
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