SREELAKSHMI DINESAN 09090144

Diagnostic

tests are given to people who are suspected of having breast cancer, either because of symptoms they may be experiencing or a screening test result. Diagnostic tests are used to gather more information about the cancer to guide decisions about treatment.

 History:

about the symptoms pertaining to breast cancer

Physical

examination: which may point towards Ca breast and neccessitates further investigations

Mammogram : Diagnostic mammograms are used to diagnose breast disease in women who have breast symptoms (like a lump or nipple discharge) or an abnormal result on a screening mammogram. A diagnostic mammogram includes more images of the area of concern.

 Usually

done with gadolinium contrast

 MRI Precontrast

With contrast

Subtraction

 Ultrasound

has become a valuable tool to use along with mammography because it is widely available and less expensive

 Also

called a galactogram, sometimes helps determine the cause of nipple discharge. In this test a very thin plastic tube is placed into the opening of the duct in the nipple that the discharge is coming from. A small amount of contrast medium is injected, which outlines the shape of the duct on an xray image and shows if there is a mass inside the duct.

 Nipple

discharge exam:some of the fluid may be collected and looked at under a microscope to see if any cancer cells are in it. Ductal lavage and nipple aspiration: experimental test developed for women who have no symptoms of breast cancer but are at very high risk for the disease. But it may help give a more accurate picture of a woman's risk of developing it.

 Confirmatory

test Fine needle aspiration biopsy Core needle biopsy Incisional biopsy Excisional biopsy Lymph node dissection and sentinel lymph node biopsy