Initial evaluation of a breast symptom involves a detailed clinical history and thorough breast examination. This should be performed first and accurately documented. The assessment will determine if further investigations are necessary and which ones are appropriate.
The information presented in this section is reproduced using information produced by Cancer Australia’s ‘The investigation of a new breast symptom: a guide for general practitioners.’(2) Refer to their flow diagrams, ‘The investigation of a new breast symptom’, and ‘The investigation of a new nipple discharge’.
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History of presenting symptom
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Patient history
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The triple test
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Breast examination
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Clinical breast examination
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Procedure
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Inspection
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Palpation
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Diagnostic breast imaging
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Biopsy
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