Types of Breast Cancer Tests

In order for a woman to find out where her breast cancer has spread, she would have different image tests done. These types of image tests are described below:

Before women choose their breast cancer treatment with their physicians, they have chest x-rays to determine their heart and lung capacity. This test evaluates the lungs, heart, ribs, and diaphragm and is the most common diagnostic x-ray examination. It produces images of the heart, lungs, airways, blood vessels and spinal and chest bones and is generally completed within 15 minutes. This procedure is painless and physicians can have results almost immediately.

Women get mammograms either once they have found a lump or other breast cancer symptom, or even if they have no signs. Women at the age of 40 and up are recommended to begin getting mammograms annually or every other year, according to the National Cancer Institute. Although, those who are at greater risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer should discuss getting mammograms earlier and more frequently than average women. Mammograms, along with clinical breast exams by a physician, are the most helpful way to detect breast cancer early.

The bone scan checks to see if cancer has spread from a tumor in an organ to their bones. It checks the entire body at once by inserting radioactive material into blood vessels that travel throughout the patient's bloodstream. After it has traveled a scanner then checks to see the material collect in the bones.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan rotates around a patient and takes numerous pictures of the body. The pictures are then combined and sectioned into different parts of the body being examined, which are usually the chest and abdomen in breast cancer patients. The CT scanning process takes longer than other x-ray exams, as the patient lies still on a table that moves in and out of the circular scanner machine.

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan uses radio waves and strong magnets that are turned into detailed pictures of the body to check for tumors. If the patient has been already diagnosed MRI scans can be used to determine the size of the tumor.

The ultrasound is a common and cheaper imaging test used to create sonograms that produce pictures of soft tissues that are not always shown on x-rays. For most breast cancer patients, ultrasounds are used to check if the lumps are tumors or cysts, as well as inspect lumps that do not show up as well on mammograms. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan offers information on the patient's whole body, but the images are not as specific as those produced from CT or MRI scans. A substance of sugar and radioactive material is injected in the patient and then flows through the body for about 45 minutes. The PET scanner examines the radiation translated into the images.

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