BREAST CANCER INVESTIGATIONS

by Mr Ashraf Patel MB BS, FRCS, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Epping

At the Breast Clinic the doctor will take your medical history and do a physical examination. The doctor will examine your breasts, armpits and the base of your neck. A variety of investigations are done to diagnose breast diseases. The investigations required vary with each individual case.

These investigations are:

Mammography

Mammography is an X-ray examination of the breasts. Mammograms sometimes show abnormalities, which are not obvious when the doctor performs a clinical examination.

Ultrasonography

Ultrasonography is used to evaluate a suspicious area. It sometimes helps to distinguish a cyst (which is a fluid filled cavity in the breast) from a solid lump.

Fine needle aspiration

A needle test of a suspicious area using a fine needle allows cells to be collected. The cells are subsequently examined under a microscope.

Needle biopsy

Needle Biopsy or Core-cut Biopsy is done under a local anaesthetic and involves obtaining a core of breast tissue for more information in cases where Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology was inconclusive.

Depending on the investigations, you will be advised and called for another visit to review your case with the results of the tests

Further tests (if required)

Breast Cancer can affect other body functions when it spreads away from the breast; this is either via the blood stream or the lymphatic system. The common sites of involvement are the liver, lungs and bones. We do the following tests to monitor or detect these abnormalities only if your clinical presentation warrants it:

Blood tests

Blood tests to assess general well being and liver functions.

X ray

Chest X-ray chest to rule out any abnormalities.

Liver Ultrasound

Ultrasound scan of the liver to look for liver abnormalities.

Bone Scan

Bone involvement is detected using a low dose of radioactive marker, which can highlight abnormalities of the bones.

Depending on the investigations, you will be advised and called for another visit to review your case with the results of the tests.

Breast cancer