Clinical approach to breast disorders: A primer for internists

Women with breast disorders often present first to their internists for evaluation. A delay in accurate diagnosis could often result in worsening of prognosis for the patient. Common diagnostic problems include evaluation of a breast lump, nipple discharge and breast pain. Internist now has a choice of several diagnostic modalities to evaluate breast disorders. An evidence-based approach to common breast symptoms and advances in breast diagnostic techniques has been described to enable early diagnosis of breast cancer, thereby reducing the need for intensive treatments and improve patient satisfaction and clinical outcome.