- Mammograms are the first step in breast cancer detection and are used as a screening method. If a mammogram shows any abnormalities, other tests will be performed.
- An ultrasound of the breast is typically performed when a lump is found. This gives doctors an idea of whether the lump is a tumor or just a fluid-filled cyst.
- This test uses a dye injection and radio and magnetic waves to create an image of the inside of the breast. This allows for visual examination of the lump and surrounding breast tissue.
- Final confirmation of a breast cancer diagnosis comes from a biopsy of breast tissue. This determines whether abnormal cells are malignant and provides a sense of how aggressive and how far along the cancer is.
- Once breast cancer is diagnosed, the doctor must determine whether the cancer has spread elsewhere. Further tests may include bone scans, blood tests, CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, X-rays and lymph node biopsies.