Evaluation of a breast complaint: is it cancer?

The most common breast complaints are nipple discharge, breast pain and a breast mass. These problems can be evaluated in a step-wise manner to determine whether the etiology is cancer. A breast mass is the most common symptom of cancer, but breast pain and nipple discharge also must be evaluated carefully. The history and physical examination, needle aspiration, mammography, ultrasound examination and biopsy are useful in determining the underlying cause of the problem.