Breast cancer diagnosis begins with detection. In order to detect breast cancer it is important to know the risk factors and symptoms of the cancer. Risk factors of breast cancer include such things as a genetic disposition or a family history of the disease, but could also include factors that you can change such as smoking, drinking heavily and living an unhealthy lifestyle. Symptoms of breast cancer are varied. One of the most commonly recognized signs of breast cancer are lumps in the breast. Breast cancer in its earliest forms does not cause any symptoms.

This is why it is best to have regular breast exams so as to detect the cancer as soon as possible. Some women are aware that a lump is a symptom of breast cancer, but are unsure as to what exactly a lump feels like. A breast lump that you should have examined will feel hard and will have uneven edges. A lump higher up in the breast will sometimes feel like it is closer to the armpit. In most cases you can see a change in the appearance of your breast if you are also able to feel a lump.

You may also notice a change in the size, shape, or feel of the breast or nipple along with the detection of the lump. Another symptom of breast cancer is fluid coming from the nipple. This fluid may be bloody, clear-to-yellow, or green. Both men and women need to make themselves aware of the symptoms of breast cancer so that they too can be diagnosed as soon as possible and begin treatment.

Most women suspect that they may have breast cancer, but a myriad of tests is required before a diagnosis is found. The most common test that will need to be performed before receiving your diagnosis is called a mammogram. In a mammogram the mammography machine takes a photo of the inside of your breast (in many ways it is like a combination of an x-ray and an ultrasound) and that photo is then examined by a medical professional who is trained in reading mammography results. In some cases, the results of the mammogram are not sufficient for obtaining an accurate diagnosis.

In this case, pathology exams will be performed. In a pathology exam, the lump that should have been seen by the mammogram is examined. Either the tissue of the lump is cut away and examined or a portion of the fluid of the mass in the breast is extracted and examined. Scientific tests can then determine with a greater degree of certainly whether or not there is any cancer present. Diagnosis becomes more definite when doctors are able to determine just how advanced the stage of cancer is and whether or not it is confined to the breast or has spread throughout the body.

Once a diagnosis is given, a treatment plan is presented. The patient works with her physician to determine the most effective means by which to kill the cancer in her body. There are many options present when speaking of breast cancer treatment, however, some treatment options will be more aggressive than others so it is best to weigh your options wisely in order to make the best decision possible.