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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffYou're likely to start by seeing your family doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. In some cases, based on a clinical breast examination or findings on an imaging test, you may be referred to a breast health specialist.
What you can do
The initial evaluation focuses on your medical history. You'll discuss with your doctor the symptoms you're experiencing, their relation to your menstrual cycle and any other relevant information. To facilitate this discussion:
- Take note of all your symptoms, even if they seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
- Review key personal information, including the dates and results of any prior mammograms.
- Make a list of all medications, vitamins and supplements that you regularly take.
- Write down questions to ask your doctor. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor may ask you questions about:
- How long you've experienced symptoms
- Whether you experience any breast pain and the severity of your pain
- Whether symptoms occur in one or both breasts
- When you had your last mammogram
- Your family history
- Your personal history of precancerous breast lesions
- Non-cancerous breast conditions. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6X_Non_Cancerous_Breast_Conditions_59.asp. Accessed June 16, 2010.
- Giuliano AE, et al. Breast disorders. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2010. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=8538. Accessed June 16, 2010.
- Valea FA, et al. Breast diseases: Diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant disease. In: Katz VL, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/206003627-2/0/1524/96.html?tocnode=53759192&fromURL=96.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-02951-3..50018-2_472. Accessed June 16, 2010.
- Miltenburg DM, et al. Benign breast disease. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2008;35:285.
- Poggi MM, et al. The Breast. In: DeCherney AH, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment Obstetrics & Gynecology. 10th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2007. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2394211. Accessed June 16, 2010.
- Smith RL, et al. Evaluation and management of breast pain. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2004;79:353.
- Golshan M, et al. Breast pain. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 16, 2010.
- Pruthi S, et al. Vitamin E and evening primrose oil for management of cyclical mastalgia: A randomized pilot study. Alternative Medicine Reviews. 2010;15:59.
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