Editing Patient Pathways: Breast Cancer (section)

== 1. Diagnostics ==

A patient presents with symptoms such as a lump in the breast, a change in the size or shape of the breast, nipple discharge, swelling or a lump in the armpit, persistent breast pain or discomfort, redness, and hardening of the skin.

Consultation with a general practitioner (GP): The patient sees a general practitioner or gynecologist.

Medical history and physical examination: Detailed patient history.

'''Initial tests:''' clinical breast examination.

'''Referral to a specialist'''

Referral to a radiologist.

'''Diagnostic evaluation'''

'''Diagnostic Mammography:''' Provides a more detailed X-ray of the breast.

'''Ultrasound:''' For further evaluation of abnormalities, particularly useful for women with dense breast tissue where mammography may be less effective.

'''MRI:''' Used for high-risk patients.

'''Biopsy:''' When breast cancer is suspected, a biopsy of the breast tumor is required before any treatment is planned.

'''Chest X-ray:''' Checks for the spread of cancer to the lungs.

'''CT Scan:''' Detailed images of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis to check for metastases.

'''Bone Scan:''' Detects the spread of cancer to the bones.

'''PET-CT:''' Combines PET and CT scans for detailed images and metabolic activity of tissues.

'''Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy or Axillary Lymph Node Dissection:''' Evaluates the spread of cancer to the lymph nodes, key for determining the stage and planning treatment.

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