If the lump is seen only on mammogram, a needle is guided under X-ray to take a sample. The fluid and tissue will be carefully studied to determine first if it is cancer. If so, the tissue then will be tested to see how aggressive the cancer is. A woman may also undergo other specialized X-rays to see if the cancer has spread beyond the breast. Other tests will be done to determine factors that will affect treatment choices.
Breast cancer is fatal if left untreated.
It can be cured in the early stages. Once cured, the person will live a normal life. Loss of the breast may be emotionally upsetting. Reconstruction of the lost breast may assist with emotional adjustment. Breast cancer is not contagious and poses no direct risks to others.