Clinical Approach to a breast lump

Clinical Breast Examination

A clinical breast exam is performed by a healthcare professional who is trained to recognize many different types of abnormalities and warning signs.

The doctor will examine your breasts to feel for any masses and examine the armpits and the neck.

Imaging

If there is a mass imaging scans  will be done to visualize then describe the masses. The selection of the scan is age dependant:

1. Breast Ultrasound for women below the age of 30 years 
2. Mammography ( use of x rays to scan the breast).

Breast Ultrasound

Mammogram

Core Biopsy

Core biopsy test-A tissue is removed from the mass and taken to the laboratory for examination.This procedure usually confirms if there is cancer or not  in the breast.

More tests are usually done to determine the hormonal status of the tumour and also the spread of the disease.This is to guide treatment.