High-frequency sound waves are used to outline the breast. The sound waves are bounced off tissues and the echoes are converted by a computer into a picture. Ultrasound is used to help evaluate lumps that have been previously identified by mammography.

A procedure in which a magnet linked to a computer is used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. MRIs use magnetization and radio waves, instead of x-rays to evaluate breast masses that have already been found by mammography and to recognize the difference between cancer and scar tissue. MRI can detect some conditions not seen on the mammogram and is useful in certain circumstances, but it is less accurate than a routine mammogram in determining which of the abnormal areas are cancer and which are not.

A test that is sometimes helpful in determining the cause of a nipple discharge. This x-ray procedure involves the placement of a fine plastic tube into the opening of the duct into the nipple. A small amount of contrast medium is injected, which is then used to outline the shape of the duct on an x-ray image and will show whether or not there is a mass inside the duct.

A mammogram cannot prove whether or not an area seen on the films is cancer. Since most abnormalities are not breast cancer, further tests are needed to determine if findings on a mammogram are breast cancer or not. If a mammogram raises a suspicion of cancer, a sample of cells or tissue will need to be removed (biopsy) for a pathologist to examine under a microscope to determine if the suspicious area is in fact cancer. Fortunately, many suspicious breast abnormalities can be diagnosed without surgery by utilizing needle biopsy.

There are 2 types of needle biopsies:

Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) uses a very thin needle to remove fluid and tiny fragments of tissue.

Core needle biopsy (CNB) uses a slightly larger needle to remove a piece of tissue about 1/16 inch in diameter and ½ inch long.