Initial Clinical Evaluation

• Conduct a detailed medical history and physical breast examination to identify any lumps or changes.

Imaging Tests

• Mammography: Primary screening tool for women over 50 to detect abnormalities.
• Ultrasound: Used to evaluate suspicious areas, especially in dense breast tissue.
• MRI: Recommended for high-risk patients or to assess cancer extent.

Tissue Sampling (Biopsy)

• Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): Minimally invasive cell extraction.
• Core Needle Biopsy: Provides larger tissue samples for diagnosis.
• Surgical Biopsy: Removes part or all of a suspicious lump if needed.

Pathology Analysis

• Examines biopsy samples to confirm cancer type and grade.

Additional Tests

• Hormone Receptor Testing: Checks for estrogen/progesterone receptors to guide treatment.
• HER2 Testing: Identifies excess HER2 protein, influencing therapy choices.

Referral to Specialists

• Oncologists, radiologists, and breast surgeons play key roles in diagnosis and treatment planning.

Summary and Next Steps

• Diagnosis is stepwise; early detection improves outcomes. Seek timely medical consultation if symptoms arise.