Breast cancer is often first suspected when a lump or change is noted in the breast or when an abnormal area is found on a mammogram. Most of the time, these findings do not turn out to be cancer. However, the only way to know for sure is through follow-up tests. Learning about these tests and how to interpret their results can help you understand your diagnosis and make treatment choices that are best for you.

This section of Understanding Breast Cancer discusses procedures called biopsies, which remove cells or tissue from the breast to be tested for the presence of cancer. Also included are tests to help you decide which treatment is best for you if breast cancer is found.

For information on screening tests like mammography and clinical breast exam, see the Early Detection and Screening section.

Types of Biopsies