Breast cancer is the major killer of middle aged women in western countries. It affects more than a million people every year.
Early diagnosis is important here, as it is with other cancers too. Early diagnosis increases the chances of survival. So how is breast cancer diagnosed? Accurate history and clinical examination are very important for detecting breast cancer. Few investigations which help in making the final diagnosis are:
Mammography: its diagnostic accuracy is about 90-95%. The test yields better result in older women as the density of the breast tissue decreases with age.
Ultrasound: it is an important diagnostic test in young women. Mammograms are difficult to interpret in young females because of the dense breast tissue. Ultrasound can locate areas of breast pathology which are not palpable clinically.
Cytology and Needle biopsy: FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology) is least invasive, easy and safe. Diagnostic accuracy is almost 95%. In this fluid or tissue is drawn out from the lump to be examined with the help of a needle. Biopsy can also be done by obtaining breast tissue under local anesthesia. In this either the whole or a part of the lump is removed and examined.
Other investigations: Blood picture may show decreased hemoglobin levels. Chest X-ray can be done to rule out lung metastasis.
Triple Assessment: Diagnosis of a breast lump is done by a combination of three things:
1. Clinical assessment- history and clinical examination
2. Imaging: which includes ultrasound and mammography
3. Pathology: biopsy and cytology
99.9% of the breast lump cases can be diagnosed accurately with this triple assessment!
Watch the video below to know more about breast cancer!
Leave a Reply