Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. It occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor that can sometimes spread to other parts of the body. While breast cancer can also affect men, it is much more common in women.
Understanding how is breast cancer diagnosed is very important. Detecting breast cancer at an early stage means that treatment can begin sooner, increasing the chances of successful outcomes and survival. Accurate diagnosis helps doctors determine the specific type and stages of breast cancer, which guides the best treatment plan for each patient. When breast cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat and sometimes even cured, reducing the risk of complications and improving quality of life.
For those diagnosed with advanced stages, metastatic breast cancer clinical trials may provide additional treatment options through cutting-edge research.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Recognizing the early signs and symptoms of breast cancer can help with timely diagnosis and treatment. Some common signs to watch for include:
- Lump in the breast or underarm: One of the most noticeable symptoms is a new lump or thickening in the breast tissue or under the arm. These lumps are usually painless but should be checked by a doctor as soon as possible.
- Changes in breast size, shape, or skin: Breast cancer can cause one breast to become larger, change shape, or look different from the other. The skin on the breast may also show dimpling, puckering, redness, or become scaly.
- Nipple discharge or inversion: Any unusual fluid coming from the nipple, especially if it is bloody or clear, should be evaluated. Additionally, if the nipple turns inward (inversion) suddenly, it could be a sign of breast cancer.
- Pain or discomfort: While breast cancer lumps are often painless, some people may experience persistent pain or tenderness in the breast or nipple area.
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, it is important to see a healthcare provider for further examination.
Initial Evaluation for Breast Cancer
When a patient reports symptoms or an abnormality is found during screening, the first step in diagnosing breast cancer involves an initial evaluation, which includes:
- Medical History:
The doctor will ask detailed questions about the patient’s personal and family medical history. This includes any previous breast issues, history of breast cancer, or other cancers in close relatives. Knowing the family history helps assess the patient’s risk level and guides further testing. - Physical Examination:
A healthcare provider performs a clinical breast exam to physically check both breasts and the surrounding areas, including the underarms. During this exam, the doctor looks for lumps, skin changes, nipple abnormalities, or any other signs that might indicate breast cancer.
This initial evaluation helps determine the need for further tests and guides the next steps in diagnosis.
Imaging Tests for Breast Cancer
Breast cancer diagnosis often starts with a physical exam and talking about your symptoms. To check the breast tissue for anything unusual, doctors use different imaging tests. These tests help them see inside the breast and decide if further tests are needed.
- Mammogram:
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast tissue. It is the most common test used to screen for breast cancer.- A screening mammogram is done when you have no symptoms to check for early signs of cancer.
- If the screening shows something suspicious, a more detailed diagnostic mammogram is done to get a closer look at both breasts.
- Breast Ultrasound:
Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images inside the body. It helps doctors learn more about lumps found during a mammogram or physical exam. For example, ultrasound can show if a lump is solid (which might be cancer) or a fluid-filled cyst (usually not cancer). - Breast MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging):
An MRI uses magnets and radio waves to take detailed pictures of the breast. It’s often used for women at high risk of breast cancer or when other tests are unclear. MRI can find small areas of cancer that other tests might miss.
Removing a Sample of Breast Cells (Biopsy):
To confirm whether a lump is cancer, doctors remove a small sample of breast tissue in a procedure called a biopsy.
Testing the Tissue Sample:
The tissue from the biopsy is sent to a lab where specialists check if the cells are cancerous. They also test to find out what type of cancer it is and how fast it might grow. These results help doctors decide the best treatment plan. In some cases, your doctor might also recommend participating in breast cancer clinical trials that offer access to new and potential treatments.
What Are the Types of Breast Biopsies?
There are different types of breast biopsies, and each involves a different method of removing tissue. Your healthcare provider will recommend the best option based on the changes seen in your breast and the type of information they need.
Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy:
In this procedure, a radiologist uses a very thin needle attached to a syringe to remove a small amount of fluid or tissue from the breast. It’s often used when the lump is likely a fluid-filled cyst.
Core Needle Biopsy:
This type uses a slightly larger needle than FNA to collect more tissue. It allows the radiologist to take multiple samples from the suspicious area, providing more information for diagnosis.
Excisional Biopsy (Lumpectomy):
This is a surgical procedure where the entire abnormal area is removed, along with a small margin of healthy tissue around it. Surgeons usually perform this when they want to ensure that all potentially cancerous cells are taken out.
Incisional Biopsy:
In this procedure, only a part of the abnormal tissue is removed for testing. It’s usually done when the lump is too large to remove completely or when more information is needed before further treatment.
Clinical Research Studies for Breast Cancer
Several clinical research studies in Nebraska are currently enrolling patients with breast cancer to evaluate new treatments and therapies. These trials may provide access to potential treatment options not yet widely available, offering hope for improved care while contributing to medical advancements.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, understanding how breast cancer is diagnosed is the first step toward informed decisions. Early diagnosis and advanced treatment options can make a meaningful difference in breast cancer care. Furthermore, clinical trials offer access to potential new treatments while contributing to future advancements. To explore your options, consider participating in a breast cancer study at a renowned Clinical Research Institute.
