The Breast Cancer Coordinated Diagnostic Evaluation Program evaluates and diagnoses women and men with abnormal mammograms in one day. At the UCSF Carol Franc Buck Breast Care Center, we realize that waiting to find out what an abnormal mammogram or breast lump means can be extremely stressful. This program is designed to perform an assessment as quickly as possible.
Breast Cancer Coordinated Diagnostic Evaluation
If your mammogram looks abnormal, you may choose to have a biopsy performed that same day, after consultations with the diagnostic team. 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, radiologist specializing in breast imaging and nurse practitioners specializing in breast cancer and teaching breast self-exams.
The program is coordinated by a nurse who screens patients for the program, obtains any mammogram films done outside of UCSF Medical Center and arranges for the necessary tests or procedures.
Your Appointment
Abnormal Mammogram
If you have an abnormal mammogram, more breast imaging may be performed the morning of your appointment. You will then have a breast exam by a breast surgeon. Your condition will be discussed at a noon conference attended by the diagnostic team. If the image seen on the abnormal mammogram is suspicious, you may have a biopsy in the afternoon.
Breast Lump
If you have a breast lump, you may have breast imaging during the morning of your appointment. You will then have a breast exam by a breast surgeon. Your condition will be discussed at a noon conference attended by the diagnostic team. If the lump is suspicious, you may have a biopsy done that afternoon.
The decision to have a biopsy is made by the diagnostic team after consulting with you.
