How Is Breast Cancer Diagnosed In Pregnant Women?
The best thing you can do while pregnant is to see your obstetrician regularly. These doctor visits, called prenatal (or “before birth”) visits, are very important in keeping both you and your baby in the best possible health. During these visits, your obstetrician will perform a breast exam to check for suspicious breast changes. It is also important to regularly perform breast exams on yourself. Your doctor or nurse can teach you how to do this properly. If a suspicious lump is found, your doctor will likely do a biopsy. A mammogram may not be as helpful because of the increased density of the breasts due to pregnancy. An ultrasound might be done as well. During the biopsy, a small sample of the suspicious tissue will be removed with a needle or by making a small cut. This sample is then thoroughly examined using a microscope and other methods to detect any cancer cells.
