Breast Cancer Screening Specialist
Regular breast cancer screenings are the best way to diagnose breast cancer in its early stages. The doctors at The Women’s Health Center in Fountain Valley, California provide mammograms and other regular screening services to women from throughout Orange County and the Greater Los Angeles area.
or Call 714-378-5606
Breast Cancer Screening Q & A
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What is a Breast Cancer Screening?
Breast cancer screening is a routine exam completed by a medical provider. It consists of an examination of the breasts for lumps, moles, changes in shape, discharge, or changes to the nipple. Women will be placed in different physical positions which allow for the medical provider to determine if there are any changes due to movement. Additionally, a mammogram can be conducted to screen for cancer. A mammogram is a type of x-ray that allows the medical provider to screen for cancer that is unseen to the eye. If during any of the exams, an abnormality is discovered, then the medical provider will order a biopsy to be sent to a lab for examination. The lab can also provide an analysis of the type of severity of the cancerous tissue.
When Should I Start to Have Breast Cancer Screenings?
Women are advised to do a self-breast examination monthly in the middle of their menstruation cycle. Additionally, women should be screened annually by their medical provider as an augment to other medical examinations. Most women over the age of fifty should also be screened with routine mammograms. If deemed high risk due to family history, these mammograms may be more frequent. Speak to your medical provider to obtain more information.
What Are Symptoms of Breast Cancer?
Often the first symptom of breast cancer is a lump in the breast area. While most lumps are benign, it is always recommended to obtain medical advice whenever a lump is discovered. Additionally, symptoms that need to be disclosed to a doctor include pain in the armpit or breast that is not explained, rashes on the nipples or breast, changes in the consistency of the skin of the breast or nipple, a lump in the armpit, thick tissue on the breast, changes in size of breasts, discharge from nipple, changes in appearance to the nipple, and any skin conditions related to the nipple or skin of the breast.