Call Now (888) 318-0764
THS-47591 Email Logos-pbhn_CR-17

Diagnosing Breast Cancer

Breast cancer can strike anyone, young or old, male or female, from all ethnic backgrounds and walks of life. Former First Lady Betty Ford, Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts, singer Olivia Newton-John and actor Richard Roundtree are all breast cancer survivors. Their breast cancer experiences began when the disease was diagnosed because a symptom or screening test suggested breast cancer.

The most common sign of breast cancer is a lump or mass. Other common symptoms include breast swelling, skin irritation, the nipple turning inward, nipple discharge (not breast milk), and breast or nipple pain. These signs may be noticed during a breast self-exam, routine clinical breast exam or screening mammogram. If a suspicious-looking area is detected, additional testing will be used to either confirm a breast cancer diagnosis or identify a benign condition.

Three tests used to diagnose breast conditions are diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A diagnostic mammogram, which generates X-ray pictures, focuses on a specific area of the breast and takes more detailed pictures of the areas that look abnormal. An ultrasound, which uses sound waves, can help doctors determine if an abnormality is a benign fluid-filled cyst or a potentially cancerous solid mass. MRI, which uses radio waves and strong magnets, is sometimes used to look for tumors that did not appear on a mammogram.

Imaging tests can help locate a breast mass, but they cannot confirm a breast cancer diagnosis. This is done during a biopsy to remove cells or tissue samples for laboratory testing. There are three main types of biopsies:

  • Fine needle aspiration biopsy involves inserting a very thin needle into the suspicious area to withdraw cells. Ultrasound may be used to guide the needle if the lump cannot be easily located.
  • Core needle biopsy uses a slightly larger needle to remove three to five small cylinders of tissue from the breast abnormality. Larger core biopsies can be performed using suction to remove tissue samples.
  • Surgery may be recommended to remove all or part of a lump for examination. During an incisional biopsy, a sample is removed from the abnormal area. An excisional biopsy involves removing the entire mass as well as a surrounding margin of normal tissue.

If cancer cells are found after a biopsy, test results can determine the cancer type and whether it is invasive (likely to spread) or in situ (localized). Invasive cancers are assigned a grade based on how closely the sample resembles normal tissue and the likelihood the cancer will grow and spread. An estrogen and progesterone receptor test can determine if hormone therapy may help stop the cancer from growing. A human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 test can measure a growth factor protein that may cause cancer cells to spread more aggressively.

For more information about breast cancer, talk with your doctor or visit the American Cancer Society website at www.cancer.org.

For a physician referral, call Palm Beach Health Network at (561) 625-5070.

Find an Oncologist

Don't wait another day to receive the quality cancer care you deserve.
Search for an Oncologist Today

Breast Cancer Quiz

How much do you know about breast cancer? Could you be at risk?
Take the breast cancer quiz

More Information

Top 10 Health Screenings

We all need to have regular health screenings to make sure we are healthy and everything is on track. Having regular health exams and tests can help find problems before they start, and they can help find problems early, when your chances for treatment and a cure are better. By getting the right health screenings and treatments, you are increasing your chances for living a longer, healthier life. 

What are the top health screenings I should get?

There are a number of screenings that are important, and depending on your age, health, family history and lifestyle choices, you may need to consider other screenings not listed here. However, as a general guideline, these are some of the most important exams for a majority of people.

  1. Cholesterol – Over 30 percent of American adults have high cholesterol. High cholesterol puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke. High cholesterol has no signs or symptoms, so it’s important to get it checked to know for sure.
  2. High blood pressure – High blood pressure is a common and dangerous condition. It’s called the “silent killer” because it often has no warning signs or symptoms. Be sure to get it checked regularly.
  3. Diabetes – Too much glucose in your blood can cause serious problems over time. This can damage your eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Diabetes can also cause heart disease, stroke, and even the need to remove a limb. Have your doctor check your blood glucose, or blood sugar, regularly.
  4. Breast cancer – It’s unknown why some women get breast cancer, but there are many risk factors that include obesity, taking birth control pills and more. If you’re over age 50, especially, it’s important to get a mammogram every two years. Women aged 40 to 49 should talk to their doctor about when to start and how often to get a mammogram.
  5. Cervical cancer – Cervical cancer found early may be easier to treat. So having a cancer screening can make a difference. Pap tests every 3 years are recommended for women ages 21–29. A Pap test and HPV test (co-testing) is recommended every 5 years for women ages 30-65. Or you can continue to get a Pap test alone every 3 years.
  6. Colorectal cancer – Colorectal cancer occurs when tumors form in the lining of the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum. It is common in both men and women. Anyone over the age of 50 should get either a colonoscopy every 10 years or a virtual colonoscopy every 5 years. Alternatively, a stool-based screening can be performed every year.
  7. Prostate cancer – The prostate is a small gland in men that produces fluid for semen. Men ages 55-69 should talk to their doctor about whether to get screened. Routine screenings for men age 70 or older aren’t recommended because the potential risks outweigh the benefits for most men.
  8. Skin Cancer – Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Report any unusual moles or changes in your skin to your doctor, especially if you are at an increased risk.
  9. Osteoporosis – Osteoporosis thins and weakens bones. Anyone can develop osteoporosis, but it is more common in older women. The best way to check for bone health is through a bone mineral density test.
  10. Lung Cancer – Lung cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer in the United Sates. More than 80 percent of the people who develop lung cancer get it from smoking. If you currently smoke, the best way to lower your risk is to quit.

Other screenings or exams may be appropriate for you. Keep an open dialogue with your doctor about your health and health risks. Your age, health and family history, lifestyle choices (i.e. what you eat, how active you are, whether you smoke), and other important factors impact what and how often you need healthcare.

Oncology Services