Breast Cancer Screening
In terms of treating breast cancer, early detection and an
accurate diagnosis often makes the difference between a successful treatment
and an unsuccessful one. With an estimated three quarters of women diagnosed
with breast cancer having no risk factors or lumps, effective screening and
testing for breast cancer is crucial in minimizing the risks associated with
the disease. Our physicians at Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic have access
to the latest screening and diagnostic tests and are committed to providing the
most accurate tests available in order to ensure that any signs of breast
cancer are detected as early and effectively as possible
Depending on your individual circumstances, risk factors,
and symptoms, there are two main types of breast cancer tests:
- Screening: Breast cancer screening tests are
designed for those who appear to be healthy and exhibit no symptoms of the
disease. Screening tests are provided as
a means for early detection in order to catch the cancer early, when the
disease is usually easier to treat. There are two main screening tests used by physicians:
- Mammograms:
A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast usually performed yearly that is designed
to detect lumps that are too small to feel.
- Clinical
Breast Exam: A clinical breast exam is an examination performed
by your physician during which he or she feels around the breast and under the
arms for any signs of any lumps or any other abnormalities.
- Diagnostic:
Diagnostic tests are performed after a screening indicates the presence of
potentially cancerous tissue within the breast.
Diagnostic tests are used to determine whether or not the abnormality in
the breast is cancerous and if so, determine the stage and growth rate of the
cancerous cells. Typically, a breast
biopsy is the most common form of diagnostic test and there are two main types
of biopsies your doctor may recommend depending on your individual
circumstances:
- Needle
Aspiration Biopsy: The needle biopsy is the least invasive type
of biopsy available. The doctor removes a small amount of tissue through a
needle inserted into the breast and then sends the tissue sample off to the lab
for analysis.
- Surgical
Biopsy: Although more involved than the needle biopsy, a surgical
biopsy has the highest degree of accuracy in determining whether or not the
abnormality is cancerous or benign. In a
surgical biopsy, a surgeon removes some or all of the suspicious tissue for
analysis.
Whether you are seeking the peace of mind of early detection
or the accuracy of a diagnosis, our staff at Northeast Georgia Diagnostic
Clinic is here to provide the very best screening and diagnostic tests
available. We believe that a combination
of effective screening and precise diagnostic tests is the most successful
method of preventing and treating breast cancer and each member of our clinic
is committed to giving you the highest level of care possible for your
particular case.
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