Preoperative staging

Once a diagnosis of breast cancer is made we will try to accurately assess the extent of the cancer.  Both breasts will be carefully examined.

Cancer cells are most likely to first spread to the draining lymphnodes. These are usually located in the armpit. Ultrasound examination can sometimes identify enlarged malignant nodes that cannot be felt. Ultrasound guided biopsy of these nodes can confirm that they are malignant and thereby clarify what axillary surgery will be necessary.

A chest x-ray and blood tests will be requested.