Diagnosing breast cancer

City of Hope’s breast cancer care team uses state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to accurately locate and stage cancer, which allows us to develop a personalized treatment plan for every patient. Throughout breast cancer treatment at City of Hope, we also use imaging and laboratory tests to monitor your response to treatment and adjust your treatment plan if necessary.

Our breast cancer experts offer patients at City of Hope a wide range of diagnostic evaluations.

Mammogram imaging, which is an X-ray of the breast, is the gold standard for breast cancer screening. Full-field digital mammography creates sharp digital images of the breasts using minimal radiation. A radiologist can analyze these images to determine the location and extent of the disease. City of Hope offers both traditional mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis, sometimes called 3-D mammography, which can improve cancer detection rates.

This common imaging technology uses high-frequency sound waves to produce precise images of breast tissue. It helps detect even slight abnormalities in dense breasts and helps determine whether a lump is a cyst (a sac containing fluid) or solid mass. Ultrasound may also be used to evaluate lymph in the underarm.

MRI technology uses powerful magnets and a computer to create detailed crosssectional pictures of the breasts. MRI is helpful for high-risk breast cancer screening and may be used for certain patients during the breast cancer diagnostic and evaluation process.

A core needle biopsy removes a sample of tissue so it can be examined under a microscope for cancer cells. This minimally invasive procedure can be performed using imaging technology, most commonly ultrasound or mammography.

Cancer forms when mutations (or changes) in the genes of a cell cause uncontrolled, abnormal cell growth. Genetic testing may help determine whether cancer is linked to an inherited gene mutation or whether you’re at an increased risk of developing a secondary cancer. Genetic testing may also help you make informed decisions about how to manage your future cancer risk.

For some patients, body imaging technologies may be used to see whether cancer has spread beyond the breast area. The most common imaging procedures are computed tomography (CT) scan, bone scan or positronemission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scan.