Why is a clinical examination important if mammography is the only reliable method for detecting curable breast cancer?
Clinical breast examination is a physical examination of the breast performed by a trained healthcare professional. CBE is performed for the purpose of discovering changes in the texture or feel of the breast tissue that might represent a lump or thickening requiring further evaluation with a diagnostic breast imaging consultation (mammogram or ultrasound). more >>> When a clinician finds a subtle abnormality on physical examination and calls attention to it in the request of a diagnostic breast imaging consultation, the radiologist is able to direct special attention to the area and is less likely to disregard a subtle mammographic finding.
