It is important to remember that a lump or other changes in the breast, or an abnormal area on a mammogram, may be caused by cancer or by other, less serious problems.
A mammogram is a way to look at your breast using X-rays. It is used to find and diagnose breast disease in women. Read on to learn more details about when and why to get a mammogram, and what you can expect when having it done.
Timing your mammogram when your breasts are not tender is important. In premenopausal women, this is usually 1 week after a menstrual period.
Studies suggest that MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) may improve the early detection of breast cancer in women who are considered high risk.
A breast biopsy is a small piece of breast tissue that is removed and checked in a lab. This is done to see if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.
After a diagnosis of breast cancer, you will likely have other tests. These tests help your healthcare providers learn more about your cancer. They can help show if the cancer has grown into nearby areas or spread to other parts of the body.
Magnetic resonance imaging creates detailed images of the body using large magnets and a computer. For breast MRI, a woman will lie face down with her breasts positioned through holes in a table.
A breast scan is an imaging test to look at your breasts. It is used when a mammogram has not given your health care provider enough information.
Breast ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to look at your breasts. It can help your healthcare provider find breast problems. It also lets your provider see how well blood is flowing to areas in your breasts. This test is often used along with mammography.
Breast cancer is 1 of the most common types of cancer in women in the U.S. Once breast cancer occurs, cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body, making it life-threatening. The good news is that breast cancer is often found early, before it has spread.
Once your healthcare provider knows you have breast cancer, the next step is to find out more about your cancer cells. This includes the stage of the cancer, the exact type you have, and other factors.
Being told you have breast cancer can be scary, and you may have many questions. But you have people on your healthcare team to help.