How is breast cancer diagnosed?
After the lump is discovered, a tissue sample must be taken to determine if it is cancer. Tissue samples may be obtained with the following procedures:
- Ductal lavage. A very thin needle is inserted into a milk duct and cells are washed out with saline.
- Excisional biopsy. The surgeon removes all of the lump or suspicious tissue, as well as a surrounding area of healthy tissue.
- Fine needle aspiration. The provider uses a thin needle to obtain fluid and cells from the lump. <br>Incisional biopsy. A surgeon removes a sample of the lump or suspicious tissue.
- Needle biopsy. If the lump is seen only on mammogram, a needle is guided under X-ray to take a sample.
The fluid and tissue will be carefully studied to determine first if it is cancer. If so, the tissue then will be tested to see how aggressive the cancer is. A woman may also undergo other specialized X-rays to see if the cancer has spread beyond the breast.