Chapter 20: Diagnostic investigations
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Evidence‐based approaches
The assessment of breast symptoms is heavily rationalized and covered by the need to ensure that the reported symptom or change is not breast cancer. Local, national and international guidance is clear; in the UK it is produced by the Association of Breast Surgery (ABS [6]) and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE [109]). Guidance used in other countries may show some variation in age of screening or follow‐up pathways. However there is also a high degree of concordance noted, strengthening the evidence‐based approach.
Rationale
The type of diagnostic procedure will vary depending on the clinical presentation of the patient. This may require a patient assessment and clinical breast examination, core biopsy, fine‐needle aspiration, punch biopsy or nipple cytology.
Indications
Breast diagnostics are indicated for diagnosis and surveillance of breast changes or disease. The type of diagnostic procedure will vary depending on the clinical presentation of the patient.
Contraindications
The type of contraindication will vary depending on the diagnostic procedure, such as bleeding post biopsy.
