The anatomy of the human female breast contains various tissues and structures. One of the primary functions of the breast is milk production. Learn about breast ducts muscles and blood vessels in this slide show from the Mayo Clinic.
To perform a breast self-exam, use a circling, massaging motion with your fingers. A breast self-exam can help you become familiar with the normal changes in your breasts.
Breast cancer symptoms vary widely — from lumps to swelling to skin changes — and many breast cancers have no obvious symptoms at all. Symptoms that are similar to those of breast cancer may be the result of non-cancerous conditions like infection or a cyst.
Tests and procedures used to diagnose breast cancer include:
Mammogram A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breasts. It is used to find tumors and to help tell the difference between noncancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) disease
Breast Ultrasound Breast ultrasound is the use of ultrasonic sound waves (sounds that cannot be heard by humans) to produce an image of breast tissue.
Breast MRI Scan A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the breast is a noninvasive method to create detailed pictures of the breast and surrounding tissues. It may be done in combination with mammography or ultrasound.
Breast Biopsy A breast biopsy is the removal of breast tissue to examine it for signs of breast cancer or other disorders.