Question 1

how do you diagnose breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Breast Biopsy: A definitive diagnosis of cancer can only be reached by looking at tissue under the microscope.  Most breast cancers are found at the time of routine yearly mammograms or by palpation of a lump on self-examination or routine physician visit.  If an abnormality is found that warrants biopsy, this can usually be done non-surgically.

Question 2

how early can you diagnose breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

VERY early!: How?  Regular mammograms.  As many as a third of all breast cancers detected by mammography are stage 0 (dcis), with cure rates that approach 100%.  Furthermore, cancers can often be detected on mammography years before they could ever be palpated.

Question 3

cheaper way to diagnose breast cancer other than ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

Density,age,fam hx: No and ultrasound alone can't detect all breast cancer.
Under 30yo w no fam hx, ultrasound is a good first test. Over 40yo with dense breasts (40% of women) than a 3d tomosynthesis mammogram or 2d mammogram with breast ultrasound. Over 40, not dense, than 2d mammogram. If you have fam hx of breast cancer then you should speak with your doctor about yr risk and possible MRI.

Question 4

how is inflammatory breast cancer different from other types of breast cancer? why is it difficult to detect and diagnose?

Accepted Answer

Looks like infection: Ibc occurs suddenly with breast pain, redness, or swelling or a rash. Mammograms are often negative because the tumor cells grow in a sheet and don't form a lump.  It is very fast-growing and spreads quickly.  Immediate chemotherapy is needed.  It looks like an infection, so doctors often try antibiotics first, delaying diagnosis.  See a medical oncologist immediately if you have these symptoms.

Question 5

how does a doctor diagnose breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Biopsy: The only way to DX with certainty is to look at tissue under the microscope. Most women are diagnosed with breast cancer after an abnormality is found on a routine mammogram or if a lump is palpated (by patient or doctor). In each scenario, (non-surgical) needle biopsy will lead to the diagnosis.

Question 6

stage 3c breast cancer in right breast remove 2y later second time breast cancer in left breast removed . 4y later cancer free but its been 7y since diagnoses. can cancer come back for a 3rd time?     afraid?

Accepted Answer

GET REASSURANCE: Cancer cure is measured by time--usually, if five years pass, one is not likely (without guarantee, of course) to get a recurrence.
Medical science has not determined the cause of breast malignancy, except that cigarette smoking increases your risk and one form is greatly enhanced genetically.  A trusted doctor, perhaps the doctor who performed your mastectomy, should examine your (see addition)

Question 7

does redness and swelling have to be present to diagnose inflammatory breast cancer...does it present itself a typically like with only skin changes..

Accepted Answer

Variable: The presentation, signs and symptoms are variable, like many other disorders. You may wish to consult this site for information on this topic.
http://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/ibc-fact-sheet

Question 8

can the e.r diagnose breast cancer?i have a very sore breast with a lump inside.has been hurting a month, but recently has gotten worse the past few d

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately not: The er cannot diagnose you with breast cancer. They will likely refer you for an imaging study, such as mammogram or ultra-sound, but your family doctor can also order this.
The fact that you are 20 and that the lump hurts indicate that it is likely a benign process (not cancer), such as an abscess or fibrocystic changes (fibroadenoma). Either way, you should see your family doctor for an exam.

Question 9

i have metastatic breast cancer to the spine. is a ct scan w/contrast or pet scan better for diagnoses?

Accepted Answer

Specific tests: It sounds like you have a formulated diagnosis. Above tests are used based on the type of question asked. Typically done for surveillance for cancers, PET scan is typically full body and has a functional (metabolic) component, while CT scans are best to compare with previous similar studies and provide structural detail ( preferred for chest and abdomen).

Question 10

62y f , 8y stage 3c breast cancer survivor diagnose at 53y wit double mastectomy&  lymph nodes removal 
i hav a sudden pain in tail bone area that travel to my left foot. could this be a sign of cancer? or could it be nothing serious ?

Accepted Answer

: The pain appears radicular and a possible relapse of cancer affecting the bone will be among the first things to be ruled out in these circumstances. Imaging will definitely be needed, get treating doc, either PCP or oncologist involved timely.

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Doctor answers about:

How to diagnose breast cancer

A member asked:

How do you diagnose breast cancer?

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How early can you diagnose breast cancer?

A member asked:

Cheaper way to diagnose breast cancer other than ultrasound?

A member asked:

How is inflammatory breast cancer different from other types of breast cancer? why is it difficult to detect and diagnose?

A member asked:

How does a doctor diagnose breast cancer?

A member asked:

Stage 3c breast cancer in right breast remove 2y later second time breast cancer in left breast removed . 4y later cancer free but its been 7y since diagnoses. can cancer come back for a 3rd time? afraid?

A member asked:

Does redness and swelling have to be present to diagnose inflammatory breast cancer...does it present itself a typically like with only skin changes..

A member asked:

Can the e.r diagnose breast cancer?i have a very sore breast with a lump inside.has been hurting a month, but recently has gotten worse the past few d

A member asked:

I have metastatic breast cancer to the spine. is a ct scan w/contrast or pet scan better for diagnoses?

A member asked:

62y f , 8y stage 3c breast cancer survivor diagnose at 53y wit double mastectomy& lymph nodes removal i hav a sudden pain in tail bone area that travel to my left foot. could this be a sign of cancer? or could it be nothing serious ?

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