30 -50% of DCIS can develop into invasive breast cancer later. It is usually asymptomatic but may present as a swelling. At what age can u get breast cancer?ĭuctal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): most common precursor stage of breast cancer that means it is localised and do not spread to nodes or distant sites. If an operation is being planned, some more tests may be necessary to decide the fitness of the patient for general anaesthesia. The report usually takes a couple of days and hormone receptor testing (including ER/PR/ Her 2) can be done on this sample to give us more information regarding the tumour.ĭepending on the stage of the disease, a PET CT may be asked to check for a spread of cancer to other parts of the body. A small needle is used to get tissue from the lump that can then be sent to the pathologist for testing. It is a small procedure that takes less than 5-10 minutes and is done under local anaesthesia. This helps to confirm as to whether the lump is cancerous or not. If there is an abnormality or lesion detected in one of these reports, then it is recommended to undergo a core needle biopsy. Some jelly is placed on the breast a probe is used to visualize all areas of the breast systematically. An ultrasound of the breast is many times done in addition to the mammogram and is a painless procedure which not have any radiation. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast and the breast is flattened in different positions between two plates for compression. The best investigations to help diagnose breast cancer is a mammogram combined with an ultrasound. What investigations will I be subjected to? In India, while a formal screening programme does not exist, it is advisable for adults above the age of 40 years, especially those with a family history of breast cancer, to get themselves tested with a baseline mammogram and then a decision of how frequently it needs to be done can be discussed on a case-by-case basis with your doctor. By this, all patients above the age of 40 years are advised to have a mammogram either yearly or once in two years. In Western countries, owing to the higher incidence of breast cancer, screening strategies are employed. Any new or unusual change in the breast.Puckering or dimpling, particularly while raising the arms above the head.
New-onset change in the size of one breast.The following symptoms should raise awareness and one must see a doctor for the same The presentation of breast cancer can be varied.