Advanced Breast Cancer Diagnosis– Reliable Testing & Results
Breast cancer diagnosis is a critical process that involves multiple steps to accurately identify and characterize the disease. Understanding the diagnostic journey can empower patients and families to actively participate in care decision
Our Breast Cancer Diagnosis Process
- •Initial Clinical Assessment – medical history, breast examination.Diagnosis begins with a comprehensive review of medical history, risk factors, and a clinical breast and axillary (underarm) examination by an experienced physician. This assessment helps guide further testing and ensures nothing is overlooked.
- For certain patients, particularly those with a strong family history or young age at diagnosis; Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer is performed. BRCA1, BRCA2, and multigene panels help uncover hereditary cancer risks and can inform personalized treatment planning.
- •Advanced Imaging for Staging – PET scan breast cancer diagnosis.When there’s suspicion of disease spread, PET scan breast cancer diagnosis is performed to pinpoint metastasis and support accurate staging. This sophisticated imaging technique visualizes cancer throughout the body, enabling better treatment decisions.
Imaging Tests
- Specialized X-rays of the breast to detect and evaluate abnormalities, essential for both screening and diagnosis.
- Uses sound waves to distinguish between solid tumors and cysts. Especially useful for those with dense breast tissue.
- High-resolution imaging for individuals at higher risk or with complex findings, offering detailed views that help clarify uncertain mammogram or ultrasound results.
Biopsy Procedures
- •Core Needle Biopsy:The preferred breast biopsy test for confirming breast cancer, using a hollow needle to remove tissue samples for laboratory analysis.
- •Fine Needle Aspiration:Removes cells for analysis, often used for smaller or cystic lesions. Both procedures are minimally invasive and crucial for a definitive diagnosis.
Diagnosis Methods We Use
Here is the list of breast cancer diagnosis methods we follow at the Everhope Cancer Centre:
- •Physical examinationRoutine breast and axillary palpation for lumps or changes. This also helps us in ruling out breast cancer differential diagnosis, which is basically a list of physical changes that mimic breast cancer symptoms. For example ; redness or skin changes, or palpable mass.
- •MammographyA mammography test for breast cancer uses low-dose X-rays for early and precise detection.
- •Breast ultrasoundUltrasound test for breast cancer provides additional detail about suspicious findings and is particularly effective for dense breast tissue.
- •MRI scansBreast MRI Scan offers detailed cross-sectional images, helping clarify complex cases.
- •PET-CT scansUsed primarily for advanced disease, PET-CT combines metabolic and anatomical imaging for comprehensive staging.
- •Biopsy techniquesIncluding core needle biopsy, fine needle aspiration, surgical biopsy each form of breast biopsy test essential for confirming diagnosis and characterizing tumor features.
- •Genetic testingGenetic Testing for Breast Cancer helps identify inherited risks and tailor screening or treatments for patients and families.
Factors Influencing Breast Cancer Diagnosis Rates
Awareness of breast cancer warning signs, robust screening programs (such as regular mammography and clinical exams), and access to specialized diagnosis centers all contribute to increased early detection. In India, diagnosis rates are also shaped by geographic accessibility and the availability of trained health professionals, with major urban centers offering broader testing options for breast cancer detection and diagnosis.
What Happens After Breast Cancer Diagnosis
- •StagingDetermining the extent of the disease using imaging and laboratory investigations.
- •Treatment PlanningBuilding an individualized plan with a multidisciplinary cancer care team.
- •SupportProviding emotional counseling, patient navigator services, and support resources throughout the breast cancer journey.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis Cost in India
Type of tests
- •Mammography₹800 to ₹3,500 (higher in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru)
- •Breast Ultrasound₹960 to ₹1,500
- •Breast MRI₹4,500 to ₹7,600, primarily for high-risk patients requiring sensitive imaging
- •Breast Biopsy₹30,000 to ₹45,000, depending on biopsy type
- •Genetic Testing (BRCA-related)₹20,000 to ₹50,000 for inherited breast cancer risk assessment
- • PET-CT scans₹20,000 to ₹35,000
- •Molecular profiling₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000+
Why Choose Everhope for Breast Cancer Diagnosis
- •Multidisciplinary teamIntegrated evaluation from radiologists, pathologists, and genetic counselors for best outcomes.
- •Accurate and timely reportingRapid turnaround on all diagnostic procedures critical to starting treatment promptly.
- •Confidential and compassionate careEvery patient is treated with dignity and respect, with attention to privacy and emotional support.
FAQs
The most commonly applied techniques are clinical breast examination, mammography test for breast cancer, ultrasound test for breast cancer, Breast MRI Scan, and breast biopsy test (fine needle aspiration or core needle). A biopsy confirms the diagnosis by tissue analysis.
Diagnosis typically includes clinical evaluation and imaging within a few days, with breast biopsy test results reported in about 3–7 days depending on the center. Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer or advanced imaging may require additional days.
A PET scan is not used for initial diagnosis but may be recommended for advanced breast cancer, particularly to identify distant spread (metastasis) or for staging before treatment planning.
