title: The diagnostic evaluation.
abstract: Diagnostic evaluation is performed to confirm the diagnosis and extent of the disease. The evaluation begins with a careful history and physical examination. Major changes have occurred in the diagnostic evaluation of patients. Frequently the diagnosis is suspected because of an abnormal mammogram or ultrasound, and image-guided biopsies have all but replaced open biopsy. For the primary care physician, the best strategy is to refer the patient to a specialist or a multidisciplinary breast center.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Breast Health Center, Women and Infants Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island 02905-2499, USA.
authors.forename: Douglas J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Marchant
mesh_terms: D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods; D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005348:Fibrocystic Breast Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D009558:Nipples / Q000378:metabolism; D010146:Pain