Detection and Evaluation of a Palpable Breast Mass Sandhya Pruthi, MD Mayo Clinic Proceedings Volume 76, Issue 6, Pages 641-648 (June 2001) DOI: 10.4065/76.6.641 Copyright © 2001 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Terms and Conditions
Figure 1 Algorithm to evaluate a palpable breast mass. CBE = clinical breast examination; CNB = core needle biopsy; consult = consultation; FNA = fine-needle aspiration; FNAB = FNA biopsy; FU = follow-up; US = ultrasonography. *Three-dimensional mass that is distinct from surrounding tissue. †Vague nodularity or thickening that differs from surrounding tissue. ‡Mass that is firm, irregular, immobile, and fixed to surrounding tissue or with associated skin changes such as dimpling. §Perform diagnostic mammography if not done in the past 6 months. For women younger than 40 years with a dominant mass, ultrasonography is initially performed, and obtaining a diagnostic mammogram is the radiologist's decision. Mayo Clinic Proceedings 2001 76, 641-648DOI: (10.4065/76.6.641) Copyright © 2001 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Terms and Conditions