Every Deaf and Hard of Hearing Woman Counts

Diagnosis

What happens if I find a lump?

First, 80 % of lumps are not cancer. But, further diagnostic tests will be needed. Additional mammograms may be suggested. Ultrasound is another diagnostic option. It is a completely painless procedure. Sometimes the doctor will recommend a follow up in a few months if these tests are not conclusive. A biopsy may also be recommended.

If a biopsy is needed, this will be done as an outpatient. There are two methods of collecting samples of the abnormal looking cells. In both cases the location of the abnormal cells is identified by mammography if it cannot be felt by the surgeon. The biopsy area will be anesthetized, just like you get when you go to dentist and have the local anesthetic for your cavitiy filling. The same process occurs. The doctor will use a local anesthetic so the procedure is as painless as possible. One method of removing a small sample of cells is called fine needle aspiration, also called FNA. In this case, a needle is used to withdraw some of the abnormal tissues out of the cluster of cells so they can be examined under a microscope. In the second method, a small incision is made and a small amount of cells are removed so they too can be examined under the microscope. If abnormal cells are found, treatment will be needed If the lump is large, the doctor may also need to take a sample of cells from one or more lymph nodes under the arm.

Why do they need to do that if breast cancer is what I am worried about?

If you have breast cancer, you and your doctor must decide what treatment will give you the best chance of survival. Knowing whether there is a high or low risk that the cancer has spread beyond the breast is an important factor in that decision. The first place cancer cells might get trapped is in the lymph nodes under the armpits, so the doctor will check there.