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First steps

Who should I contact?

Visit to the general practitioner at the health center

If you have noticed a change in your breast (lump, skin/nipple retraction, redness, swelling, thickening, persistent pain, or nipple discharge), the first step is to visit your or at your local . They can – and/or . Based on the 's assessment, sometimes a is also recommended.

Where should I go?

Contact your or at your nearest (primary health care). If you don't have an assigned doctor, register at the women's health service desk or general medicine – you will be assigned a temporary one.

What should I bring?

ID card, health insurance card, all relevant previous reports and images, list of medications you are using, and a brief list of symptoms (when they started, what they look like, whether they are changing).

Referral and imaging

The doctor issues a referral for (more common after age 40–45) and/or (more common for younger women and as a supplement to mammography). The referral may be for the health center or hospital (secondary level of health care). If the radiologist deems it necessary, they will also suggest a .

What does the examination look like?

Imaging procedures are short and painless or with mild discomfort (e.g., breast compression during ). After the examination, you receive a report or information about when and where to pick it up.

If the finding is suspicious…

The refers you for at a specialized facility (/ health care). The (type, grade, , , , ) forms the basis for the treatment plan.

Note

Ask about alternative locations (another clinic/hospital), ask about urgency based on your symptoms, or request a follow-up appointment sooner. If your condition worsens – contact your doctor earlier.

Don't have an assigned doctor?

You can temporarily choose a doctor at your health center. If you notice a rapidly growing swelling, increasing pain, or bloody discharge – seek medical attention immediately.

What if the finding is normal but symptoms persist?

Request a follow-up within the timeframe your doctor suggests (e.g., 3–6 months) or seek a second opinion. If needed, the may recommend an additional imaging method (e.g., ).

Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Always tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. is often the first method in these situations. The doctor and will adjust the imaging plan for the baby's safety.

When to seek help immediately?

Rapidly growing, warm, and red breast swelling (possible infection or inflammation).
Bloody nipple discharge.
Newly developed skin or nipple retraction that is worsening.
Severe pain and swelling that do not resolve.
If a lump is felt in the armpit.

How to prepare for the examination?

Make a list of symptoms: when you first noticed them, how they are changing, whether they are accompanied by pain or redness.
Bring all previous reports and images if you have them.
List of medications you are using and allergies, if any.
Questions for the doctor: 'What's next?', 'When should I come for a follow-up?', 'Who should I contact if my condition changes?'.

What follows after imaging?

If the scan indicates a suspicious change, a follows at a specialized facility. The biopsy result contains the and biological markers (, , , ), which help the medical team determine the best treatment plan.