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A 44 year old woman has a screening mammogram which shows a 1cm area of pleomorphic microcalcifications with no associated mass. This is suspicious for ductal carcinoma in situ. Breast exam is normal, with no palpable abnormalities. What is the next step?

User Bartoszukm
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Final answer:

The next step is to perform further diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). This may include a biopsy and additional imaging tests to evaluate the extent of the disease.

Step-by-step explanation:

The next step after the suspicious finding on the mammogram is to perform further diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). One common diagnostic test is a biopsy, which involves removing a small sample of tissue from the breast for microscopic examination. A biopsy can provide a more definitive diagnosis and help determine the appropriate treatment plan. Additional imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may also be done to evaluate the extent of the disease. It is important to note that while microcalcifications may be an early sign of breast cancer, they can also be benign. Therefore, further testing is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment decisions.

User Sergey G
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