Diagnosis

The first step in the work-up of breast disease is usually a physical breast examination by a doctor or nurse practitioner. Different types of breast imaging may be important additions to the physical examination. On the basis of these evaluations, the decision may be made to confirm a clinical impression with a tissue biopsy.

You can get specific information on the diagnostic process at UCSF by visiting our Imaging, Breast Biopsies, Benign Breast Conditions, and Breast Cancer: Interpreting Your Diagnosis pages, and by reading about our specific Diagnostic Programs below.

Diagnostic Imaging

  • Diagnostic mammogram
  • Ultrasound
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Breast Biopsies

  • Fine Needle Aspiration
  • Needle (Wire) Localization (Ultrasound or MR Guided)
  • Stereotactic Core Biopsy
  • Surgical Biopsy

Benign Breast Conditions


Breast Cancer: Interpreting Your Diagnosis

  • Breast Cancer Staging
  • Pathology Report: Your Guide
  • Oncotype DX
  • MammaPrint

Breast Care Center Diagnostic Programs

When you call to make an appointment, the scheduler will help you choose the most appropriate program for you and your personal situation.

Same Day Assessment Program

At the UCSF Carol Franc Buck Breast Care Center, we understand that the wait to find out what an abnormal mammogram means is very stressful for many patients. That is why we created a specialized program dedicated to the diagnosis and evaluation of women and men who have had suspicious radiological findings. The goals of the Same Day Assessment Program are to coordinate and shorten the diagnostic process, tailor recommendations to patient preference and health status, all while providing the highest caliber of diagnostic accuracy.

Our team consists of surgeons, pathologists, radiologists and nurse practitioners specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of breast problems. The Same Day Assessment Program is organized by a new patient coordinator and triage nurse who help patients obtain any mammogram films done outside of UCSF and arrange for the necessary imaging or procedures.

A patient who has had an abnormal mammogram may get more breast imaging done the morning of her appointment. Also that morning, the patient's case is discussed at a conference between the surgeon and radiologist. The diagnostic team reviews the patient's films and, if the image on the mammogram looks suspicious, may recommend that the patient have a biopsy that afternoon. The surgeon then sees the patient, performs a clinical breast exam, and discusses her follow-up recommendations. The patient and physician work together to determine what is best for the individual.

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with the Same Day Assessment Program please call (415) 353-7070.

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