Treatment of Breast Cancer at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

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Breast Cancer Tests

A variety of patterns and methods are used to test, screen and diagnose breast cancer. Breast cancer tests allow doctors to determine whether or not a patient has caner, the stage of the cancer, a patients treatment options and prognosis. Primary breast cancer tests include breast self-examination, mammograms, breast MRIs and biopsies.

A breast self-examination is a screening technique through which early breast cancer can be detected. The method is performed by a women feeling and looking at her breasts for possible swellings, distortions or lumps.

A mammogram is simply a breast x-ray. A screening mammogram is one that checks or screens a patient who has no symptoms or signs of the disease for breast cancer. It effectively detects minor tumors that cannot be felt and microcalcifications, or deposits of calcium, that may point to an underlying breast cancer.

A diagnostic mammogram checks for breast cancer after a particular symptom, sign or a lump is found. Symptoms or signs of breast cancer that may require diagnostic mammograms include nipple discharge, thickening of the breast skin or a change in the size of a breast. Diagnostic mammogram can also be used to further evaluate the results of a screening mammogram.

A breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) detects cancer of the breast and other related or unrelated abnormalities. The process involves taking a series of photographs of the breast which are then combined and detailed using a computer. Breast MRIs are typically performed when additional information than that provided by a clinical breast exam, ultrasound or mammogram is required.

A breast biopsy is a clinical procedure in which all or a part of a suspected growth/tumor is removed from a breast and examined. The sample is removed surgically or by a needle and then evaluated under a microscope by a pathologist to identify whether a suspected mass is malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous).

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, they offer integrative, whole person care. Contact one of their representatives all day, every day by phone or online chat. Cancer Treatment Centers of America has Hospitals in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, Zion Illinois, Tulsa Oklahoma, and Goodyear Arizona. For more information on their integrative treatment options for Breast Cancer, call today.

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