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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffFor evaluation of a new breast lump or changes in your breast exam, you're likely to start by seeing your primary health care provider. 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 major stresses or recent life changes.
- 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
- If you've noticed a change in symptoms over time
- Whether you experience any breast pain and, if so, the severity of your pain
- If you have any nipple discharge and, if so, its color, consistency and amount
- Whether symptoms occur in one or both breasts
- If you have any other signs or symptoms, such as fever
- When you had your last mammogram
- Your family history
- Your personal history of precancerous breast lesions
- If you've previously had a breast lump or breast biopsy
- Non-cancerous breast conditions. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6X_Non_Cancerous_Breast_Conditions_59.asp?sitearea=CRI&viewmode=print&. Accessed May 14, 2010.
- Hari S, et al. Bilateral severe mammary duct ectasia. Acta Radiologica. 2007;48:398.
- Understanding breast changes: A health guide for women. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/understanding-breast-changes. Accessed May 14, 2010.
- Rosen PP. Inflammatory and reactive tumors. In: Rosen PP. Rosen's Breast Pathology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009:33.
- Guray M, et al. Benign breast diseases: Classification, diagnosis, and management. The Oncologist. 2006;11:435.
- Santen RJ, et al. Benign breast disorders. New England Journal of Medicine. 2005;353:275.
- Miltenberg DM, et al. Benign breast disease. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2008;35:285.
- Pruthi SP (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 19, 2010.
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