Preoperative Testing and Imaging

There are a number of preoperative tests and imaging that can be performed prior to diagnosis.

• Self-Breast Exam
• Mammography
• Breast Ultrasound
• Breast MRI
• Biopsy

Check your breasts on a regular basis. There are five steps to a breast self-examination.²¹

There are four kinds of mammography:

• Screening mammogram
• Diagnostic mammogram
• 3-dimensional (3-D) mammogram (digital tomosynthesis)
• Digital mammogram

Ultrasound uses sound waves to show pictures of the breast. Ultrasound can show the difference between fluid-filled cysts and tumors. Cysts are usually not cancerous.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnetic fields instead of X rays. MRI creates very clear images of breast tissue and tumor size.

If a tumor is found on imaging, you may need a biopsy. A biopsy is the only way to confirm breast cancer. A biopsy is the removal of tissue to examine cells. Your biopsy may be done by a surgeon or radiologist. There are different types of biopsies.