An abnormal area, like a lump, or other changes in the breast can be caused by cancer or by other, less serious problems. To find out the cause of any of these signs or symptoms, a woman's doctor does one or more of the physical exams described below.

• Palpation. By carefully feeling the lump and the tissue around it, the doctor can tell a lot about a lump, like its size, texture and whether it moves easily.

• Mammography. The breast is exposed to a small dose of radiation to produce an image of internal breast tissue. X-rays of the breast can give important information about a breast lump.

• Ultrasonography. Using high-frequency sound waves, ultrasonography can reveal information about the shape, texture, and composition of tumors and cysts that cannot be seen on conventional x-ray studies.

Mammography

Ultrasonography

Based on these exams, the doctor may decide, if no further tests are needed or if a removing of fluid or tissue from the breast is necessary (breast cancer biopsy), to make a diagnosis.

• Needle breast cancer biopsy. The doctor uses a needle to remove fluid or a small amount of tissue from a breast lump. Breast cancer biopsy may show whether a lump is a fluid-filled cyst (not cancer) or a solid mass (which may be cancer).

• Surgical breast cancer biopsy. The surgeon removes the area of concern often along with a part of the surrounding, normal breast tissue. A pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope to check for cancer cells.

When cancer is present, the pathologist can tell what kind of cancer it is and whether it is invasive. Special laboratory tests of the tissue, for example hormone receptor tests, can help predict whether the cancer is sensitive to hormones. Positive test results mean hormones help the cancer grow and the cancer is likely to respond to hormonal therapy.