Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
1. Initial Imaging – To Look Inside the Breast
The process usually begins when a woman feels a lump, pain, discharge, or breast shape change. The physician suggests imaging tests to get a peek inside.
Mammography
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast.
It is able to identify tiny lumps or calcium deposits (microcalcifications) even before they can be detected with the touch.
It's typically advised for women who are more than 40 years old or have risk factors.It's performed on both sides, even if the lump is on only one side.Patients will feel a mild pressure during the procedure, but it's fast and harmless.
Sonomammography (Breast Ultrasound)
Uses sound waves to produce real-time images.
It assists in distinguishing a lump of solid tissue (which might be cancer) from a cyst containing fluid.Particularly helpful for younger women whose breast tissues are dense, making mammograms less distinct.It is not painful and does not use radiation.
Breast MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Offers very detailed pictures with magnets and radio waves (no radiation).Accommodates cancer detection in women who are at genetic risk, have dense breasts, or implants.Alsoused to provide the overall size of cancer before operation.Requests the patient to remain still inside a tunnel-shaped machine for 30–60 minutes.Prep the patient psychologically and explain that this is normal prior to complicated operations.
PET-CT Scan
Combines Positron Emission Tomography with a CT scan.A radioactive sugar is injected in small quantity, which is uptaken more by cancer cells.This test indicates whether cancer has reached lymph nodes or distant organs such as bones, liver, or lungs.Aids in staging the cancer accurately.Instruct your patient that this scan is essential to visualize the larger picture of the disease.
2. Biopsy – To Confirm Cancer
Imaging could indicate cancer, but only a biopsy can ensure it. A small section of the tissue or lump is taken and sent to the laboratory.
FNAC – Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology
A fine needle is passed through the lump to aspirate (pull) out fluid or cells.It's a fast test and often carried out in clinics.It aids in screening suspicious lumps but might not give enough information.
Core Needle Biopsy
A thicker, empty needle takes out samples of tissue, not cells.
Provides additional information such as cancer type, grade, and receptor status.
Performed under local anaesthesia, with ultrasound or mammogram control.
Excisional Biopsy
The surgeon removes the whole lump or a portion of it surgically.
Performed if FNAC or core biopsy findings are indefinite or non-diagnostic.
Involves a short hospital stay or day-care entry.
3.Blood Tests – To Evaluate General Health and Cancer Markers
Blood tests assist physicians in planning treatment and monitoring how the body is responding.
CBC (Complete Blood Count)
Counts red and white blood cells and platelets. Assists in the detection of anaemia or infection.
Liver & Kidney Function Tests (LFT, KFT)
Check for organs that are functioning properly prior to chemotherapy or other treatments.
Sugar & Thyroid Profile, Vitamin & Iron Studies
Screen for underlying disease and nutritional factors. Essential for general recovery.
Tumour Marker Test – CA 15.3
This is a protein that could be raised in breast cancer.
It is not employed for diagnosis, but can be utilized to track the response to treatment or relapse.
Hormone Panel Test
Tests hormone levels such as estrogen and progesterone that are associated with the growth of breast cancer
4. Receptor & Genetic Tests – To Know Cancer's Behaviour
After cancer is established, these tests assist us in knowing the behavior of the cancer.
ER/PR Test (Estrogen & Progesterone Receptors)
Tests if cancer cells possess hormone receptors.
Hormone-receptor positive cancers grow by utilizing these hormones.
They are slow-growing and are effective with hormone-blocking treatments.
HER2 Test (IHC or FISH method)
Tests if the cancer cells contain excessive HER2 protein or gene copies.
HER2-positive cancers are likely to grow more rapidly but can be treated with certain drugs.
BRCA1/BRCA2 Genetic Testing
Done if there is a high family history of ovarian or breast cancer.
Identifies inherited mutations that raise the risk of future cancers.
Guides future screenings and family planning.
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