All women should perform a self-breast examination once a month. Women over 40 should get annual mammograms. If a serious lump is detected through either of these procedures you may be required to have a breast biopsy. A biopsy of breast tissue can be done through a needle or surgically. The sample taken will be tested for breast cancer. You may have either a benign or malignant tumor. Breast cancer awareness is a serious issue. Early detection is crucial for survival. Listed below you will find knowledgeable oncologist around Mobile that can give you more information on breast cancer tests and treatments.

Sentinel node biopsy is a less invasive procedure and carries a lower risk of complications than axillary node dissection. The sentinel node is the first lymph node that filters fluid from the breast. Many cancer experts believe that malignant cells reach the sentinel node first and that this lymph node is more likely to contain cancer cells.

In this type of breast biopsy, a needle is used to aspirate (draw out) fluid or tissue from a breast lump. Needle aspiration leaves no scarring, is less invasive and quicker than open excisional biopsy, and usually does not require stitches or a recovery period.

The axillary lymph nodes are located under the arm. Axillary node dissection is performed to determine if cancer has spread beyond the breast. Cancer cells found in the lymph nodes suggest that it may have spread to other parts of the body and the patient may need more aggressive treatment.