Breast Ultrasound

Fortunately, for the majority of women mammography confirms that no signs of breast cancer are evident. However, if an abnormality is seen by your radiologist, you will need follow-up tests to check whether or not the finding is breast cancer. One of the follow up tests is called Ultrasound, (or sonogram) which most women associate with determining the sex of a baby during pregnancy. And, much like an abdominal ultrasound, the technologist uses a wand and lubricant to examine the area of the breast. It is completely painless and takes very little time.

An Ultrasound may find a benign breast condition (non-cancerous) or show that breast tissue is normal. Learn more about benign breast conditions. If the test does show a problem, you may need additional work-up.

To watch an ultrasound video, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0C1CtdhvhhE

Breast Biopsy

If you have an abnormal mammogram, the follow-up tests you will have depend on the recommendations of the radiologist. Sometimes, a follow-up mammogram, also called a “diagnostic mammogram”, or breast ultrasound is done. If the finding does not look like breast cancer (for example, it could be a non-cancerous cyst), no further testing is needed and you return to your regular schedule of breast cancer screening. In some cases, additional tests such as a breast MRI may be recommended.

If the finding looks suspicious, the next step is a biopsy to remove some of the tissue to check for cancer. Your radiologist will recommend what kind of biopsy should be done.

There are several kinds of biopsies, and you can learn about each one through videos produced by the Susan G. Komen Organization at: http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/Biopsies.html

After having a biopsy, 70% of patients receive a call from our nurse navigator with good news: the biopsy is negative for cancer.  For the 30% of patients with concerning pathology, they return to Halo Breast Care Center as scheduled for:

1. Review of biopsy experience
2. Wound check by RN
3. Results review typically by RN Navigator or when appropriate, by MD
4. Issuance of CA State Mandated Breast Cancer information pamphlet
5. Provided with a Breast Cancer journal
6. Clinical Care Path coordinated with Primary Care Provider by RN and unless directed otherwise would:
7. Escort patient to Enloe Comprehensive Breast Care for introduction to Comprehensive Oncology and Definitive Surgical Management team for creating a customized care plan before returning home.

If the biopsy shows no cancer, you return to your regular schedule of screening with clinical breast exams and mammograms. If the biopsy confirms cancer, there will be a host of options to consider with your doctor, depending on what kind of cancer and what stage it is classified.