6 Tests that Detect Breast Cancer

The best test to identify breast cancer in the initial phase is mammography, which consists of an XRAY that allows you to see if there are lesions in the breast before the woman has any symptoms of cancer such as breast pain or exit of liquid through the nipples, for example.

Mammography should be done at least every 2 years after age 40, but women with a history of breast cancer in the family should have this test every year after age 35 and up to 69. In the event that the results of the mammogram show some type of alteration, the doctor may request that it be repeated or may request new studies such as an ultrasound, an MRI or a biopsy that confirms whether or not there is a cancerous alteration in the breast.

In addition to this, laboratory tests may be requested to verify the concentration of some markers that may be indicative of breast cancer, in addition to being useful in the choice of treatment and in response to therapy. See what are the signs that may indicate breast cancer.

In addition to this, there are other tests that can help identify and confirm breast cancer such as:

1. Physical Exam

The physical examination is performed by a gynecologist through palpation of the breast, allowing the identification of nodules or other alterations in the woman's breasts. However, it is not a very accurate exam so the doctor usually asks for other imaging tests such as a mammogram.

Usually, this is the first test performed when the woman has symptoms of breast cancer or when the woman herself discovers alterations in the breast exam. Learn how self-exploration is done at home.


2. Blood Test

The blood test is useful for diagnosing breast cancer, because normally when there is a carcinogenic process some specific proteins have an increased concentration in the blood such as CA 125, CA 19.9, CEA, MCA, AFP, CA 27.29 and CA 15.3, which is usually the most requested marker by the doctor. Learn more about the CA 125 blood test.

In addition to being important to assist in the diagnosis of breast cancer, tumor markers can also inform the doctor how the body's response to breast cancer therapy is being, as is the case with the CA 27.29 marker.

In addition to tumor markers, through the analysis of a blood sample, some mutations of the tumor suppressor genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 can be identified, which when altered can predispose to the emergence of breast cancer. This genetic test is recommended in those people who have close relatives who have been diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50, for example.

3. Breast Ultrasound

Breast ultrasound is a test that is frequently performed after a mammogram is performed, the result of which is abnormal. It is also a test particularly indicated in women who have large and firm breasts, especially if there are cases of breast cancer in the family. In these cases, ultrasound is a test to complement mammography, since this test is not able to show small nodules in women who have large breasts.

However, when the woman has no family history and has breasts that can be observed through a mammogram, only this test is performed. See more about mammography.

4. Magnetic Resonance

Magnetic resonance imaging is a test used mainly when there is a high risk of women having breast cancer, especially when there are alterations in mammography or ultrasound results. Therefore, the MRI helps the gynecologist to confirm the diagnosis and identify the size of the cancer, as well as identify the existence of other affected regions.

During the MRI, the woman must remain lying on her stomach, resting her chest on a special platform that prevents them from being pressed, allowing a better image of the breast tissues. In addition to this, it is also important for women to remain as calm as possible to avoid causing alterations in the images due to body movement.

5. Breast Tissue Biopsy

The biopsy is usually the last diagnostic test used to confirm the presence of cancer since this test is performed in the laboratory with samples removed directly from the lesions of the breast allowing to observe whether or not tumor cells exist when these cells are present confirm the diagnosis of cancer.

Usually, the biopsy is performed in the office of a gynecologist or pathologist with local anesthesia, because it is necessary to insert a needle into the breast until the lesion to aspirate small pieces of the nodule or the alteration identified in the other diagnostic tests.

6. FISH exam

The FISH test, which means fluorescent in situ hybridization, can be performed after biopsy when the diagnosis of breast cancer is already in place. This test helps to choose the most appropriate type of treatment to eliminate cancer.

The FISH test is a genetic test that identifies specific genes in cancer cells known as HER2, which when present indicates that the best treatment for cancer should be performed with a substance called Trastuzumab, which is an antibody similar to those The body produces naturally to protect against viruses and bacteria.