What tests are used to stage breast cancer and detect possible recurrence?
Staging breast cancer involves multiple tests that help doctors understand the extent of the disease and plan treatment. These same tests can also detect if cancer returns.
Imaging Tests
* Mammogram (diagnostic) - uses X-rays to capture detailed Show Full Answer
What tests are used to stage breast cancer and detect possible recurrence?
Staging breast cancer involves multiple tests that help doctors understand the extent of the disease and plan treatment. These same tests can also detect if cancer returns.
Imaging Tests:
* Mammogram (diagnostic) - uses X-rays to capture detailed images from multiple angles
* Ultrasound - especially helpful if you have dense breast tissue
* CT scan - creates 3D pictures to look for metastases in the liver, lungs, or bones
* MRI - uses magnets and radio waves for highly detailed images, particularly useful for brain metastases
* PET scan - uses radioactive tracer to identify areas of cancer activity
* Bone scan - similar to PET, uses radioactive tracer to look for tumors in bones
* Chest X-ray - checks for spread to the lungs
Biopsy and Tissue Analysis:
The most definitive test is a biopsy, where tissue samples are examined to confirm cancer and determine important characteristics like grade, hormone receptor status (ER/PR), and HER2 status.
Additional Tests:
* Sentinel lymph node biopsy - checks if cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes
* Blood tests - evaluate organ function and overall health
* Genetic tests (like Oncotype DX, MammaPrint, or Prosigna) - analyze genes in cancer cells to predict recurrence risk
November 14, 2025
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