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Investigations This is done using a probe, which is moved over the skin and connected to a machine with a TV screen. It uses ultrasonic waves which are completely harmless, but a water based gel has to be put on the skin to conduct the waves through it. A picture is built up on the screen of the breast tissue underneath and can be interpreted by the doctor. This is available in one of the clinics and also in the X-ray department. Mammography A mammogram is an X-Ray of the breasts. The breasts are squeezed between 2 plates while the pictures are being taken which are usually done from 2 angles in each breast. This can be uncomfortable particularly if the breasts are tender anyway. It is rarely performed on women under the age of 40 unless looking at something specific such as a lump, as the breasts are very dense in younger women and abnormalities don't show up well. Patients go to the X-Ray department for this. Fine Needle Aspiration This test involves taking some cells from an abnormal area of the breast such as a lump using a syringe and needle. The needle is no bigger than the ones used to take blood, but this test can be uncomfortable - local anaesthetic can be used if necessary. The cells are put on a glass slide and taken to the lab to be prepared and examined under the microscope by the consultant pathologist. Occasionally a larger specimen is needed for diagnosis or further information and a core biopsy is taken which involves a larger needle but which is always done with local anaesthetic. |