Think Pinker

If you have had symptoms that suggest breast cancer may be present your doctor will take you family history, he/she may do a physical, and then you’ll be sent for a screening mammogram. After the mammogram results are in your doctor will decide if further tests are necessary. Those tests could include:

1.    Clinical breast exam – Your doctor will feel each breast for lumps and look for problems. If you have a lump he/she will feel for the texture, shape, and size, and whether it moves easily. Your doctor will be watching for lumps that are firm and feel attached.

2.    Diagnostic mammogram – This is different than a screening mammogram. It will take clearer image of the area under concern for further analysis.

3.    Ultrasound – Your doctor can order an ultrasound to determine whether your masses are fluid filled sacs called cysts and not dangerous or a solid mass which could be cancer. This test is easy and painless.

4.    MRI – An MRI takes pictures of the breast that are extremely detailed. It is often used in conjunction with a mammogram.

5.    Biopsy – A fine needle aspiration is the most common. This sounds far scarier than it is. A specialist will draw a small amount of fluid from the breast which will then have a host of tests ran on it to determine if it is cancer. They may also order a core biopsy which uses a thick needle to remove the breast tissue or a surgical biopsy.

Once the tests are ran a diagnosis will be made. Tests can sometimes take awhile to get scheduled and get the results back. While you wait, try not to stress. We worry ourselves sick and 95% of the time it’s for nothing. So just take one day at a time..s