Breast Cancer

Frequently Asked Questions

14. If a breast exam or mammogram does indicate the possibility of cancer, what happens next?

If the results of a clinical breast exam or a mammogram indicate that cancer might be present, the doctor will order a follow-up test. The most common follow-up test is called a biopsy. This is a procedure where a doctor removes a small amount of fluid or tissue from the breast to make a definitive diagnosis. A doctor might perform fine needle aspiration, a needle or "core" biopsy, or a surgical biopsy.