Information Applicable to All Algorithms
Breast Cancer Diagnostic Algorithms for Primary Care Providers
(Third Edition, June 2005)
Important Terms Used in the Algorithms
For the purpose of this document, the term "breast specialist" is defined as someone who has special education and/or experience in breast cancer. It is used as a general term because the actual medical discipline of this specialist may vary by community. Thus, a breast specialist may be a risk assessment counselor, radiologist, surgeon, PCP trained in breast disease, etc.
The term "concordance" is used to describe agreement between multiple tests or procedures. Concordance implies that a lesion assessed by two or more independent means (i.e., clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammogram), was identified at the same general location in the same breast, and was found to be similar in nature or in degree of suspicion by all assessment techniques . Generally speaking, in the situation of discordance, additional diagnostic work-up is necessary.
When the algorithm recommends "routine screening" the patient can resume routine (usually annual) breast screening if the most recent examination is normal and there are no new symptoms or complaints. However, if new symptoms or concerns arise in the time interval prior to the next routine screening, it is appropriate to undertake a new diagnostic work-up to address these.
Posted: February, 2006. |
