In our society, approximately one in ten women will be affected by breast cancer. Therefore attention must be given to all women presenting with a breast mass. In most situations the mass will be detected by the woman herself.
Instruction regarding breast self examination is an essential part of ongoing care.
Although uncommon, breast cancer does occasionally occur in males. This feature must be assessed as psychological support is critical in the development of a management plan. Scant material, blood and drying artifact may render the specimen unsuitable for diagnosis. A repeat aspiration or open biopsy is required. Mammography on its own neither rules out nor confirms malignancy - only pathological examination of tissue accurately obtained from within the lesion does that.