Marchant Douglas J
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Breast Health Center, Women and Infants Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island 02905-2499, USA.
Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2002 Mar;29(1):31-41, v-vi. doi: 10.1016/s0889-8545(03)00050-0.
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.