- 1. Physical examination
- 2. Blood test
- 3. Breast ultrasound
- 4. Magnetic resonance
- 5. Breast biopsy
- 6. FISH exam
The most used test to identify breast cancer at an early stage is mammography, which consists of an X-ray that allows you to see if there are lesions in the breast tissues before the woman has any symptoms of cancer, such as breast pain or liquid release from the nipple. See the 12 signs that may indicate breast cancer.
Mammography should be done at least every 2 years from the age of 40, but women with a history of breast cancer in the family should have the exam every year from the age of 35, and up to 69 years. If the results of the mammogram show any type of change, the doctor may order another mammogram, an ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging or biopsy to confirm the existence of a change and to confirm or not the cancer diagnosis.
There are other tests that can help identify and confirm breast cancer, such as:
1. Physical examination
The physical examination is an examination performed by the gynecologist through palpation of the breast to identify lumps and other changes in the woman's breast. However, it is not a very accurate test, as it only signals the presence of nodules, without verification that it is a benign or malignant lesion, for example. Thus, the doctor usually recommends performing more specific tests, such as mammography, for example.
This is usually the first test done when a woman has symptoms of breast cancer or has discovered changes during breast self-examination.
Check out how to do the self-examination at home or watch the following video, which clearly explains how to perform the self-examination correctly:
2. Blood test
The blood test is useful in the diagnosis of breast cancer, as normally when there is a cancerous process, some specific proteins have their concentration increased in the blood, such as CA125, CA 19.9, CEA, MCA, AFP, CA 27.29 or the CA 15.3, which is usually the marker most requested by the doctor. Understand what the CA exam is and how it is done 15.3.
In addition to being important to assist in the diagnosis of breast cancer, tumor markers can also inform the doctor about the treatment response and breast cancer recurrence.
In addition to tumor markers, it is through the analysis of a blood sample that mutations in the tumor suppressor genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, can be identified, which when mutated can predispose to breast cancer. This genetic thesis is recommended for those who have close relatives who were diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 50, for example. Learn more about the genetic test for breast cancer.
3. Breast ultrasound
A breast ultrasound is an exam that is often done after a woman has a mammogram and the result has changed. This test is particularly suitable for women with large, firm breasts, especially if there are cases of breast cancer in the family. In these cases, ultrasound is a great complement to mammography, as this test is not able to show small nodules in women with large breasts.
However, when the woman has no cases in the family, and has breasts that can be widely seen on mammography, ultrasound is not a substitute for mammography. See who is most at risk for breast cancer.
4. Magnetic resonance
Magnetic resonance imaging is an exam used mainly when there is a high risk of women having breast cancer, especially when there are changes in the results of mammography or ultrasound. Thus, MRI helps the gynecologist to confirm the diagnosis and to identify the size of the cancer, as well as the existence of other sites that may be affected.
During the MRI scan, the woman should be lying on her stomach, supporting her chest on a special platform that prevents them from being pressed, allowing a better image of the breast tissues. In addition, it is also important that the woman remains as calm and quiet as possible to avoid causing changes in the images due to the movement of the body.
5. Breast biopsy
Biopsy is usually the last diagnostic test used to confirm the presence of cancer, as this test is done in the laboratory with samples taken directly from the breast lesions, allowing you to see if there are tumor cells that, when present, confirm the diagnosis of cancer.
Generally, the biopsy is done in the office of a gynecologist or pathologist with local anesthesia, as it is necessary to insert a needle into the breast until the lesion to aspirate small pieces of the nodule or the alteration identified in other diagnostic tests.
6. FISH exam
The FISH test is a genetic test that can be done after the biopsy, when there is a diagnosis of breast cancer, to help the doctor choose the type of treatment most suitable to eliminate cancer.
In this test, the sample taken on the biopsy is analyzed in the laboratory to identify specific genes from cancer cells, known as HER2, which, when present, inform that the best treatment for cancer is with a chemotherapeutic substance known as Trastuzumab, for example.
