Breast Lump Evaluation: From Imaging to Biopsy
What is a Breast Lump?
A Breast Lump is a mass that develops in the breast. It may vary in size and texture and can be painful
in some cases. While most of the breast lumps are benign, they have tendency to develop into a
tumour if not attended to in time.
How do you evaluate a Breast Lump?
A breast lump evaluation is conducted to examine the lumps present in the breasts which are later
tested to check for any possible risks of tumours. Breast lumps can be evaluated via the following
imaging tests:
- Mammogram – In this, low-dose X-rays are used to examine the breasts. It involves exposing
the breasts to a small amount of ionized radiation in order to obtain pictures of their insides.
Mammogram can be – 2D (that generate two single images of the breasts), or 3D that
generates an all-round image of the breasts in “slices” to assess denser breast tissues. - Breast Ultrasound – It involves the use of sound waves to create pictures of the insides of
breasts. They capture images of areas of the breast that may be difficult to see in
mammography. It also helps determine whether the breast lump is solid or fluid. - Breast MRI – Use of a powerful magnetic field, radiofrequency pulses and a computer that
produces detailed pictures of the insides of the breasts is breast MRI. Lumps that generally
go unnoticed in mammography and ultrasound are evaluated in the MRI.
Types of Biopsies for Detecting Breast Lumps
If all the above-mentioned imaging tests are unable to prove whether the lump is benign or not, a
biopsy may be recommended. Following types of biopsies may be conducted:
- Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy – In this, an ultrasound imaging is used to find the lump. The
radiologist advances a thin sampling needle into the lump to remove some tissue and
evaluates it under a microscope. It is usually quick in process but the pathology results might
take a few days. - Stereotactic Biopsy (X-Ray Guided) – This procedure is conducted under a digital
mammography X-ray machine to study the area under concern. The radiologist inserts a
sampling needle inside the lump and extracts thin tissue samples to evaluate them further. - MRI-Guided Biopsy – While the area of concern is under an MRI scan, the radiologist
extracts tissue samples from it and sends in for further evaluation.
Treatment of Cancerous Breast Lumps
If a lump is cancerous, surgery is usually performed to remove it from the breast. Additional cancer
treatment modalities such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy or hormone therapy may be
recommended based on the complexity or severity of the case.
Best Hospital & Doctors for Breast Lump Evaluation
Yashoda Superspeciality Hospital & Cancer Institutes, Sanjay Nagar, Ghaziabad, is one of the best
cancer-dedicated super speciality hospitals with some of the best oncologists in Delhi NCR from the
Indian Armed Forces who are specialised in malignancies of the breasts as well as complexities of
breast including breast cancer treatment.
Dr. (Maj.Gen.) Dharmesh S. Swaroop comes with an experience of over three decades in the
field of medical oncology. Currently serving as the Director of Medical Oncology at Yashoda
Hospital, Sanjay Nagar, Ghaziabad, his specialisations include – gynaecological malignancies,
GI malignancies, and malignancies of the breasts.
Dr. (Surg. Lt. Cdr.) Anushree Vartak is Senior Consultant in Breast Surgical Oncology & Oncoplastic
Surgery at Yashoda Hospital, Sanjay Nagar, Ghaziabad specializing in breast cancer management,
reconstructive oncoplastic techniques, and complex oncological procedures. She comes with
extensive surgical oncology experience and advanced international training.
Dr. Rekha Arya is Senior Consultant in Radiation Oncology at Yashoda Hospital, Sanjay Nagar,
Ghaziabad with a decade of experience in advanced radiotherapy techniques (IMRT, IGRT, SBRT),
brachytherapy, chemotherapy, and precision treatment planning for cancer care.
For bookings/appointments, please reach out on the given toll-free number – 9810709038/0120-
4612000.
