The diagnostic assessment confirms that the anomaly suspected cancer. It specifies the type of cancer, evaluates and determines its size if it has developed in other parts of the body (see classification CAB).
The diagnosis of breast cancer can be performed by different specialists: gynecologists, sinologist, medical oncologist or radiologist in mammography for breast cancer (see “Professionals for Patient”).
As a first step, the physician examines the patient’s medical history, surgical and obstetric-gynecology, family and personal. It raises questions about his current symptoms that guide him in his diagnosis. It is important to mention all the symptoms identified even if they do not automatically result in cancer. After the interview, the doctor conducts a thorough physical examination and full breasts.
Physical examination takes into account eight elements:
The size of the tumor
The doctor asks the patient to lie on his back. The arm raised within the side of the patient. In this position, the breasts are spreading out and easier to palpate. If the abnormality is palpable, the doctor assesses its size.
The mobility of the tumor
The doctor then looks if the tumor moves under the skin or if it attached to the chest wall or skin.
The location of the tumor
Breast cancer detected early is important to identify where the tumor localized in the breast. This information is necessary for the choice of treatment.
There are four different sectors.
Physical examination
The aspect of pea on is sometimes a change in the skin around the tumor. This change is variable, the skin may be red (this is called erythematic), ulcerated, inflated (we say then that there is an edema) or be covered with small hard balls (nodules). It can also be folded or wrinkled.
The shape of the nipple and areola
The medical research if there is a systematic distortion, retraction, ulceration of the nipple or areola. These changes sometimes accompanied by a flow in the nipple.
Increasing the size of the tumor
The doctor asks the patient if she has noticed an increase in the size of the tumor.
Palpation of lymph nodes
Breast cancer is sometimes also an increase in the size of lymph nodes near the breast (in this case, it called lymphadenopathy). The doctor seeks ganglia abnormal feeling different places where they can find (mostly in the armpit).
Additional examinations
Depending on the interview and physical examination, the doctor may request further tests to confirm the diagnosis.