You've found a lump in your breast. Now what do you do?
First of all - Don’t Panic. Most breast lumps, about 90%, are noncancerous or benign. The important thing is to get the breast lump evaluated by your physician. If you do not have a physician call Providence Hospital’s referral line for a referral.
Step 1- Call and make an appointment with your physician
Step 2 - At the visit the physician will do a clinical breast examination. This will involve the following:
- Questions about symptoms
- Examination of your breasts-checking the overlying skin and any nipple changes or discharge
- Evaluation of deeper tissue in your breasts and armpits
Step 3 - If the physician detects a lump, the next step is to determine if it is noncancerous or cancerous
Additional testing may include Fine Needle Aspiration- where a small amount of the fluid in the lump is removed or aspirated. This fluid can be sent to the lab for diagnostic testing.
Additional testing that may be needed to evaluate the lump includes mammography, ultrasound, MRI, breast biopsy. These tests will be ordered by your physician based on the information that is needed.
Benign or noncancerous lumps will be followed as prescribed by your physician. If you are diagnosed with Breast Cancer be assured that the Providence Hospital Comprehensive Breast Center will be a partner in your journey. With our specially trained staff and our Patient Care Coordinator, we will assist you in understanding your treatment options and medical management of breast cancer. You will have the opportunity to have your questions and concerns answered. We will provide educational, emotional, and spiritual support in the days ahead as you follow a path that others have taken.
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