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University of California San Francisco
Patient Education

I Have a Lump or Abnormal Mammogram

Related Conditions
Breast Cancer

At the UCSF Carol Franc Buck Breast Care Center, we understand that waiting to find out what an abnormal mammogram or breast lump means can be a very stressful time for many women. Therefore, we have a number of programs, resources and educational materials that we hope will help to relieve some of this stress and anxiety.

Same Day Assessment Program

The Same Day Assessment program is designed to diagnose and evaluate women and men with breast lumps and abnormal mammograms. Our goal is to coordinate and shorten the breast cancer diagnostic process for patients. The diagnostic team consists of surgeons who specialize in diagnosis and treatment of breast problems, a pathologist specializing in fine needle aspiration and breast disease diagnosis, a radiologist specializing in breast imaging, and nurse practitioners specializing in breast cancer and teaching how to do breast self-exams. The Same Day Assessment program is coordinated by a nurse who screens patients for the program, obtains any mammogram films done outside of UCSF Medical Center and arranges any necessary tests or procedures.

Education Materials

At the UCSF Carol Franc Buck Breast Care Center, we hope to provide you with information and support that will enable you to experiment and to explore ways of feeling better that best match you and your needs. Below you will find links to some educational information that is applicable to your particular situation. In addition further information can be gathered at our UCSF Cancer Resource Center or by talking with your doctor.

  • Breast Anatomy
  • Breast Cancer Biology
  • Breast Cancer Sign and Symptoms
  • Breast Cancer Diagnosis
    • Imaging:
    • Mammography
    • Ultrasound
    • Magnetic Resonance Imagery
    • Biopsy:
      • Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy
      • Stereotactic Core Biopsy
      • Surgical Biopsy
      • Wire Localization Biopsy
    • Treatment Options
    Continue reading

    Clinical Trials

    Clinical trials are formal, controlled protocols designed to test the effectiveness of new treatments, including novel drugs, types of intervention or combinations of therapy. If you are interested in obtaining more information on specific breast cancer clinical trials offered at UCSF Medical Center, please visit the clinical trial section on the UCSF Breast Care Center website. You also can visit the National Cancer Institute's CancerNet, where you will find access to PDQ, the NCI-sponsored database of clinical trials nationwide.

    Note: The clinical protocols listed here are presented as an educational service to doctors and patients; they should not be interpreted as providing medical advice nor be used for the diagnosis or treatment of cancer or any other health problem. Enrollment is based on satisfying eligibility criteria; final determination for inclusion in a study is made solely at the discretion of the principal investigator.

    Diagrams for Abnormal Mammogram and Abnormal Lump

    View Diagram of Abnormal Mammogram

    View Diagram of Abnormal Lump

    Different services and information are needed at different points in the wide spectrum of breast health care and breast cancer treatment. We have created the above maps to serve as an example of a general path of diagnoses and treatment in order to help you to better understand your own individual experience. While there are common pathways to screening, diagnosis and treatment within breast care and breast cancer, you must be aware that your individual path may differ from that presented here. It is important to discuss the details of your individual story with your doctor.

    Navigating Your Path to Breast Care:

    • Navigating Your Path to Breast Care: I am Concerned About Breast Cancer
    • Navigating Your Path to Breast Care: I Have a Lump or Abnormal Mammogram
    • Navigating Your Path to Breast Care: I Am Newly Diagnosed With Breast Cancer
    • Navigating Your Path to Breast Care: I Have Metastatic Breast Cancer
    • Navigating Your Path to Breast Care: I Am in Follow-Up
    • Navigating Your Path to Breast Care: I Would Like a Second Opinion

UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.

Recommended reading

Basic Facts About Breast Health

Learn basic facts about breast structure and function and how to differentiate between the different types and stages of breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Glossary

Check out our comprehensive Glossary of Breast Cancer terminology, which includes definitions of everything from AC chemotherapy to peripheral neuropathy.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Click now to find a summary of the factors that increase risk for developing breast cancer, including both factors that we cannot change and those we can.

Self-Care and Recovery

Self-Care and recovery resources including an Introduction to Lifestyle Change, Nutrition and Breast Cancer, Hydration: Water and Health, Meditation and more.

Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction, surgery to rebuild a breast's shape, is often an option after mastectomy and is covered by some health insurance plans. Learn more now.

Follow-Up Care for Breast Cancer Patients

After patients have completed treatment for early stage breast cancer, one of the common questions is, "How should I best be monitored?" Learn more here.

Mastectomy: Instructions Before Surgery

The following information will help you prepare for your upcoming Mastectomy surgery. If you have any questions, please contact the Breast Care Center staff.

Mastectomy: Instructions After Surgery

Post Mastectomy surgery instructions including, pain management, incision and dressing care, activity, diet, follow-up care and more.

Menopause and Breast Cancer

Breast cancer treatment often causes women to enter menopause prematurely. Although each woman reacts to therapy individually, certain side effects are common.

Metastatic Breast Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment

Metastatic breast cancer is cancer that originated in the breast and has spread to other organ systems in the body. Learn more here.

Navigating Your Path to Breast Care

Different services and information are needed at different points in breast health care and breast cancer treatment. Learn more here.

Osteoporosis and Breast Cancer

Women who have had breast cancer or are considered at high risk for developing breast cancer are at risk for developing osteoporosis. Learn more.

Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer

The UCSF Carol Franc Buck Breast Care Center and the Department of Radiation Oncology have compiled information about radiation therapy for your convenience.

Taking Charge

Knowledge may lead you to take action to protect your health and that of other women you care about: your mother, daughters, relatives and friends. Learn more.

Related clinics

Breast Care Center

Berkeley Outpatient Center

3100 San Pablo Ave., Suite 280
Berkeley, CA 94702

(415) 353-7070

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Did you know?

In 2015, UCSF took part in what's believed to be the largest kidney transplant chain of its kind. Over 36 hours, 18 people donated or received a kidney at UCSF or California Pacific Medical Center. The history-making chain was set in motion by one man, when he volunteered to donate a kidney to a stranger.

Learn more
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