Triple assessment is crucial to confirm breast cancer

Breast cancer can be sudden and dreadful nightmare for any woman's life. Many of Bangladeshi women are diagnosed with breast cancer at an advanced stage. However — proper assessment with physical examination, imaging and tissue examination called biopsy — the triple assessment leads to early diagnosis, easier management and more successful treatment for breast cancer.
Every year, October is observed as the breast cancer awareness month with a view to creating awareness regarding symptoms, risk and screening procedure. Noticing a change in your breasts, reaching a landmark age and having a baby are all situations that may prompt you to think about breast health. If you notice a breast lump, do not get scared. Most lumps in the breast are actually non-cancerous. You need to consult with a physician to evaluate the lump.
Triple assessment comprises clinical examination, imaging investigations and biopsy evaluation, will enable a confident diagnosis in 95 percent of patients with suspected breast cancer.
Clinical examination is an essential first step in the diagnosis of the problem. This procedure can help the doctor in establishing whether s/he thinks something is innocent or suspicious.
Imaging consists of a mammogram, ultrasound or MRI. Biopsy — a sample of your breast tissue is removed and sent to a laboratory for testing to determine whether the cells are cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). There are several different biopsy procedures including fine needle aspiration, core biopsy, vacuum assisted core biopsy and open biopsy. Your doctor will explain which procedure is most suitable for you.
The results of the triple assessment can help the doctor concerned decide whether you need any further treatment or breast surgery.
The writer is the Lead Breast Surgeon of United Hospital, Dhaka. E-mail: [email protected]