![]() ![]() If no cancer is found in those lymph nodes, the chance of finding cancer in any of the remaining lymph nodes is small and no other nodes need to be removed. To determine whether cancer has spread to your lymph nodes, your surgeon will discuss with you the role of removing the lymph nodes that are the first to receive the lymph drainage from your tumor. Removing a limited number of lymph nodes (sentinel node biopsy). ![]() Skin-sparing mastectomy and nipple-sparing mastectomy are increasingly common operations for breast cancer. Newer surgical techniques may be an option in selected cases in order to improve the appearance of the breast. Most mastectomy procedures remove all of the breast tissue - the lobules, ducts, fatty tissue and some skin, including the nipple and areola (total or simple mastectomy). A mastectomy is an operation to remove all of your breast tissue. Some people with larger tumors may undergo chemotherapy before surgery to shrink a tumor and make it possible to remove completely with a lumpectomy procedure. During a lumpectomy, which may be referred to as breast-conserving surgery or wide local excision, the surgeon removes the tumor and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue.Ī lumpectomy may be recommended for removing smaller tumors. Operations used to treat breast cancer include: Beams of radiation are precisely aimed at the cancer using a machine that moves around your body. Stage IV breast cancer, also called metastatic breast cancer, indicates cancer that has spread to other areas of the body.īreast cancer staging also takes into account your cancer's grade the presence of tumor markers, such as receptors for estrogen, progesterone and HER2 and proliferation factors.Įxternal beam radiation uses high-powered beams of energy to kill cancer cells. Your doctor selects the appropriate tests based on your specific circumstances and taking into account new symptoms you may be experiencing.īreast cancer stages range from 0 to IV with 0 indicating cancer that is noninvasive or contained within the milk ducts. Not all women will need all of these tests and procedures. Positron emission tomography (PET) scan.Mammogram of the other breast to look for signs of cancer.Blood tests, such as a complete blood count.Tests and procedures used to stage breast cancer may include: Your cancer's stage helps determine your prognosis and the best treatment options.Ĭomplete information about your cancer's stage may not be available until after you undergo breast cancer surgery. Once your doctor has diagnosed your breast cancer, he or she works to establish the extent (stage) of your cancer. Other tests and procedures may be used depending on your situation. Unlike other types of imaging tests, an MRI doesn't use radiation to create the images. Before a breast MRI, you receive an injection of dye. An MRI machine uses a magnet and radio waves to create pictures of the interior of your breast. Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).A biopsy sample is also analyzed to determine the type of cells involved in the breast cancer, the aggressiveness (grade) of the cancer, and whether the cancer cells have hormone receptors or other receptors that may influence your treatment options. Often, a small metal marker is left at the site within your breast so the area can be easily identified on future imaging tests.īiopsy samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis where experts determine whether the cells are cancerous. During a biopsy, your doctor uses a specialized needle device guided by X-ray or another imaging test to extract a core of tissue from the suspicious area. A biopsy is the only definitive way to make a diagnosis of breast cancer. Removing a sample of breast cells for testing (biopsy). Ultrasound may be used to determine whether a new breast lump is a solid mass or a fluid-filled cyst. Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of structures deep within the body. If an abnormality is detected on a screening mammogram, your doctor may recommend a diagnostic mammogram to further evaluate that abnormality. Mammograms are commonly used to screen for breast cancer. Your doctor will check both of your breasts and lymph nodes in your armpit, feeling for any lumps or other abnormalities. Tests and procedures used to diagnose breast cancer include: The table slides into the large opening of the MRI machine. Your breasts fit into a hollow depression in the table, which contains coils that detect magnetic signals. During a breast MRI, you lie on your stomach on a padded scanning table.
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