Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Early Detection: What are the procedures involved

If you observe any slight changes in your breasts, ignoring them can have serious consequences. Symptoms such as one breast appearing smaller than the other or pain and swelling should be taken seriously. If you experience these symptoms, you must consult a doctor immediately.
 

The first step involves a physical examination or mammography. Mammography is crucial in screening for breast cancer, using low-dose X-rays to detect abnormal tissue.

Breast ultrasound uses imaging technology to capture internal pictures of the breast. It is particularly useful for identifying areas that may not be clearly diagnosed through mammography alone.
 

Breast biopsy is performed when there are abnormal lumps in the breast. For this procedure, a doctor uses a biopsy needle to extract breast tissue for examination. This test is essential to determine if cancer is present in a specific area of the breast.

An MRI scan may be recommended by the doctor to obtain detailed images of breast tissue. This procedure uses magnets and radio waves, unlike X-rays, to assist in detecting breast cancer.

In cases where cancer is suspected, doctors may take a tissue sample and use immunohistochemistry (IHC) to test for specific antigens using antibodies. IHC not only helps in cancer diagnosis but also helps determine the response to cancer treatment.

If cancer is diagnosed in the first stage, doctors start the treatment. Early-stage breast cancer can often be cured with timely treatment. However, if cancer progresses to the third stage, the situation can become more serious.