For most women, the results of a clinical breast exam will be good news. The test will find no signs of breast cancer. For some women, though, the test will find something abnormal. These women will need more tests to see whether or not they have breast cancer.
If you need follow-up tests, take heart that most abnormal findings are not breast cancer, but something less serious, like a benign breast condition. (Learn more about benign breast conditions.) Sometimes follow-up tests show that the tissue is normal.
The exact follow-up tests that are done depend on several things, such as the type of abnormality found and your age. Follow-up generally begins with the least invasive tests (such as a diagnostic mammogram or ultrasound) and progresses, if needed, to more invasive tests (such as a needle or surgical biopsy).
The most common abnormal finding from a clinical breast exam is a lump. Your health care provider will first check whether the lump is fluid-filled or solid. If it is fluid-filled, it is most likely a cyst. Cysts are not usually breast cancer and can be left untreated in most cases (more on cysts). Breast lumps that are solid, however, are more likely to be breast cancer and often require more testing.
For women ages 30 and older, the first steps involve checking the lump with a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. Some women will need a biopsy to see whether the lump is breast cancer or not. For more on biopsies, see the Diagnosis section.
For women under age 30 with a breast lump, the steps are slightly different because most lumps in this age group are benign. Ultrasound is the preferred first follow-up test. Although for some women, the first step may be observation. This involves re-checking the mass after one to two menstrual cycles to see if it goes away (which it often will). If you are not comfortable waiting, you can seek a second opinion. Other steps follow as needed. A mammogram may also be done to check a clinical finding. As with women 30 and over, in some cases, a biopsy may still be needed.
Other abnormal findings
In addition to a palpable mass (a mass that can be felt), other potential abnormal findings during a clinical breast exam include nipple discharge, thickening within the breast and skin changes. As with a palpable mass, these findings need proper follow-up to ensure they are not breast cancer.
Updated 10/05/09
