As a medical journalist researching breast health services in Delhi, I found that discovering a breast lump or noticing an unusual change can understandably create anxiety. However, a breast lump does not automatically mean cancer. A systematic evaluation involving clinical examination, breast imaging and, when required, tissue sampling can help establish an accurate diagnosis. At the Breast cancer diagnosis center in Delhi associated with Dr. R K Saggu, patients can undergo a structured diagnostic assessment designed to determine whether a breast abnormality is benign or malignant and, when cancer is confirmed, understand its characteristics and extent.
When a woman presents with a breast lump or another breast change, Dr. Rajinder Kaur Saggu describes a comprehensive triple assessment approach. The process combines examination, imaging and tissue diagnosis when necessary.
The first stage involves a consultation with Dr. R K Saggu, who takes a detailed clinical history, assesses relevant risk factors and examines both breasts and the armpits. The second stage involves breast imaging, which may include an ultrasound and/or mammogram. Women over 40 may require mammography depending on their circumstances. If an abnormality is identified on imaging, a needle aspiration or core biopsy may be recommended.
This structured approach is important because breast symptoms can have several causes. Some lumps may be benign conditions such as fibroadenomas, while others may require further investigation. Visiting a Breast cancer diagnosis center in Delhi can help patients receive timely clinical evaluation, appropriate imaging and, when necessary, a biopsy to determine the underlying cause.
A breast biopsy involves removing a sample of breast cells or tissue so that a pathologist can examine it under a microscope. According to Dr. R K Saggu’s diagnostic information, biopsy is the definitive way to determine whether suspicious cells are cancerous. Many biopsies can be performed on an outpatient basis, allowing the patient to return home the same day. Local anaesthesia may be used depending on the procedure.
Several types of breast biopsy may be considered:
Fine needle aspiration, or FNA, uses a thin needle to withdraw fluid and cells from a breast abnormality. It is a relatively quick procedure. However, if malignant cells are detected, additional tissue sampling may sometimes be required to determine whether the cancer is invasive or non-invasive.
A core biopsy uses a hollow needle to remove small cylindrical samples of breast tissue. It is generally performed under local anaesthesia. The samples are sent to pathology for examination.
Core biopsy can confirm whether cancer is present and can provide information about its type. Dr. R K Saggu’s practice information states that ER, PR and HER2neu markers are routinely assessed on biopsy samples because these findings can help guide subsequent treatment planning.
Depending on the imaging method used for guidance, a biopsy may be ultrasound-guided, stereotactic or MRI-guided.
In selected circumstances, an entire suspicious area may be removed through an excisional biopsy. An incisional biopsy may be considered when only part of a larger mass needs to be sampled.
Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB) uses an image-guided hollow probe and can remove more tissue than a conventional core needle biopsy. Dr. R K Saggu’s professional profile also lists expertise in vacuum-assisted biopsy and excision for fibroadenomas and other benign breast conditions.
A pathology report is an important step after tissue sampling. Dr. R K Saggu’s diagnostic information states that biopsy reports generally arrive within approximately two to five working days, after which she reviews the findings with the patient and family and explains the report.