Diagnosis
Whether you have been told that you have an abnormal
mammogram, or that your doctor feels what seems like
an abnormal area of change in the breast, you can
be assured that it is almost always possible to diagnose
the problem without an operation.
In the last decade many
advances have been made in diagnostic techniques, so
that most non-cancerous problems can be diagnosed and
treated in the office.
You may already have had
additional mammograms and possibly an ultrasound to
help understand the problem. When you arrive at the
Center, Dr. Galloway will first review your personal
and family history and all of your studies. That is
why it is important to come with the actual x-rays (and
not just the reports); or better, ask that the x-rays
are delivered before your appointment.
After that, she will perform
a detailed physical examination of the breasts, using
ultrasound in the office to better appreciate the nature
of any changes in the breast. This can help immensely
in understanding whether any new changes may be due
to cancer.
This examination alone may
be sufficient to determine the nature of any problems,
or even whether or not a problem exists. If a new area
of change is identified, then additional studies or
possibly a biopsy may be indicated.
Follow-up
Thankfully, most abnormal
mammograms, and in fact most biopsies, do not ultimately
show cancer. These additional studies are very important,
however, so that cancer is not left undiagnosed. No
test, or combination of tests, is perfect in excluding
cancer.
But even benign problems
and biopsies may require continued close follow-up.
Needle biopsies always include a follow-up mammogram
or ultrasound in 4-6 months just to check the biopsy
site. Benign conditions can be part of a continuing
process of change in the breast; and some are known
to increase the risk of breast cancer.
Dr. Galloway will always
let you know whether continued follow up appointments
are necessary, but if you have any question please be
certain to call or ask before you leave.
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