Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the milk-producing ducts in the breasts, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of breast cancer, such as lumps in the breasts, are not always evident before the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, but there are a number of tests used to find breast cancer during its early stages.
Self-Breast Exam
A self-breast exam is a physical examination where women stand in front of a mirror and inspect their breasts and nipples for changes and abnormalities, such as lumps in the breasts or discharges from the nipples.
Mammogram
A mammogram is a test that uses X-rays to look for early signs of breast cancer, such as changes in breast size or shape, or small tumors, according to Medicinenet.com and the National Cancer Institute.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound uses sound waves to determine whether lumps in the breasts contain fluids. Non-cancerous cysts are fluid-filled while tumors are not, according to Medicinenet.com.
MRI
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan uses a magnet and X-rays to get cross-sectional pictures of a woman's body. The test is used to examine lumps in the breasts that remain after surgery and lumps that are not visible on a mammogram or ultrasound, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Biopsy
During a biopsy, a doctor uses a needle or catheter to extract tissue from the breast. The tissue is then sent to a laboratory to be examined for cancerous cells.
Tags: lumps breasts, according Medicinenet, breast cancer such, Cancer Institute, cancer such, National Cancer
