Information Applicable to All Algorithms
Breast Cancer Diagnostic Algorithms for Primary Care Providers
(Third Edition, June 2005)
Overview
Health history and assessment of risk, physical examination of the breast, mammographic imaging and documentation should be performed routinely for all patients and are described in this section.
These algorithms graphically describe a logical progression of services designed to facilitate the work-up of a patient presenting with breast symptoms or abnormal breast screening. The management of any patient will vary according to age, clinical history and clinical findings.
The graphics provide a visual presentation of decision points throughout the process as well as recommendations or indications for the timing of a referral to a breast specialist for definitive risk assessment, diagnosis, staging and/or treatment.
Notes for each algorithm provide additional information on the assessment and decision-making guiding principles, including selected terminology, rationales, alternative approaches, and controversies.
A Legend like the one below is available when viewing the online algorithms to clarify the meaning of graphical symbols or abbreviations.
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Starting point for algorithm |
| ADH = Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia |
| ALH = Atypical Lobular Hyperplasia |
| BI-RADS® = Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System |
| CBE = Clinical Breast Examination |
| DCIS = Ductal Carcinoma in Situ |
| DX = diagnosis |
| FNA = Fine Needle Aspiration |
| F/U = Follow-up |
| HX = Patient History |
| LCIS = Lobular Carcinoma In Situ |
| NCI = National Cancer Institute |
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Decision point |
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Process or procedure |
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Endpoint - decision finished for that algorithm |
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Direction for further work-up or connector to another algorithm |
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Flowchart note marker |
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Posted: February, 2006. |
