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About Breast Cancer > Diagnosis

  • What is Breast Cancer?
    • What Is Cancer?
    • Causes of Breast Cancer
    • Breast Cancer Facts
    • Breast Tumors
    • Breast Anatomy
    • Male Breast Cancer
    • Growth of Cancer
    • Risk Factors
    • Breast Cancer Genetics
      • Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer
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      • What To Do If You Tested Positive
  • Early Detection
    • Breast Cancer Symptoms and Signs
    • Breast Pain
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    • Breast Self-Exam
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    • Mammogram
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    • Healthy Habits
  • Diagnosis
    • Diagnostic Mammogram
    • Ultrasound
    • MRI
    • Breast Biopsy
    • Lab Tests
    • Waiting For Results
  • Stages
    • Breast Cancer Stages
    • Stages 0 & 1
    • Stage 2 (II) And Stage 2A (IIA)
    • Stage 3 (III) A, B, And C
    • Stage 4 (IV)
  • Types of Breast Cancer
    • Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
    • Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
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    • Invasive Lobular Cancer (ILC)
    • Triple Negative Breast Cancer
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    • Metastatic Breast Cancer
    • Breast Cancer During Pregnancy
    • Other Types
  • Treatment
    • Choosing Your Doctor
    • Surgery
      • Lymph Node Removal & Lymphedema
      • Breast Reconstruction
      • Lumpectomy
      • Mastectomy
    • Chemotherapy
    • Radiation Therapy
    • Hormone Therapy
    • Targeted Therapy
    • Metastatic Breast Cancer Trial Search
    • Standard Treatment vs. Clinical Trials
    • Physical Activity, Wellness & Nutrition
    • Bone Health Guide for Breast Cancer Survivors in 2022
    • Follow-Up Care
  • Myths
    • Myth: Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer
    • Myth: Men do not get breast cancer; it affects women only
    • Myth: A mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread
    • Myth: If you have a family history of breast cancer, you are likely to develop breast cancer, too
    • Myth: Breast cancer is contagious
    • Myth: If the gene mutation BRCA1 or BRCA2 is detected in your DNA, you will definitely develop breast cancer
    • Myth: Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer
  • FAQs
    • Can physical activity reduce the risk of breast cancer?
    • Can a healthy diet help to prevent breast cancer?
    • Does smoking cause breast cancer?
    • Can drinking alcohol increase the risk of breast cancer?
    • Is there a link between oral contraceptives and breast cancer?
    • Is there a link between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and breast cancer?
    • How often should I do a breast self exam (BSE)?
    • Does a family history of breast cancer put someone at a higher risk?
    • Are mammograms painful?
    • How does menstrual and reproductive history affect breast cancer risks?
    • How often should I go to my doctor for a check-up?
    • What kind of impact does stress have on breast cancer?
    • What celebrities have or have had breast cancer?
    • Where can I find a breast cancer support group?
    • Can breastfeeding reduce the risk of breast cancer?
    • Is dairy (milk) linked to a higher risk of breast cancer?
    • Is hair dye linked to a higher risk of breast cancer?
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Diagnosis

Breast cancer can be diagnosed through multiple tests, including a mammogram, ultrasound, MRI and biopsy.
Diagnostic Mammogram

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. While screening mammograms are routinely administered to detect breast cancer in women who have no apparent symptoms, diagnostic mammograms are used after suspicious results on a screening mammogram or after some signs of breast cancer alert the physician to check the tissue.

Ultrasound

When a suspicious site is detected in your breast through a breast self-exam or on a screening mammogram, your doctor may request an ultrasound of the breast tissue.

MRI

During diagnostic examinations, it is helpful to get a variety of images and perspectives. If your initial exams are not conclusive, your doctor may recommend a breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to assess the extent of the disease.

Breast Biopsy

A breast biopsy is a test that removes tissue or sometimes fluid from the suspicious area. The removed cells are examined under a microscope and further tested to check for the presence of breast cancer. A biopsy is the only diagnostic procedure that can definitely determine if the suspicious area is cancerous.

Lab Tests

If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, your doctor may order additional lab tests to assist with prognosis. The two most common lab tests are the hormone receptor test and the HER2/neu test. Results from these tests can provide insight into which cancer treatment options may be most effective for you. Testing The Tumor Cells For Hormone Receptors […]

Waiting For Results

Waiting for the results of biopsy testing, scans, or lab tests can understandably weigh heavily on your mind. Some people cope by educating themselves and trying to map out their possible options; others reduce stress by distracting themselves with whatever feels fun; still others find the waiting time provides the opportunity to assess their priorities or deepen meaningful relationships.

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