Can imaging tests alone confirm if a breast lump is benign or malignant?

Question

My doctor suggested a mammogram and ultrasound to check the lump. Are these tests reliable for detecting whether a lump is benign or malignant, or is a biopsy always needed?

Dr. Prateek Thakur · Accepted Answer

Your doctor was absolutely right to suggest a mammogram and ultrasound. These are reliable and complementary tests; an ultrasound helps distinguish solid lumps from fluid-filled cysts, while a mammogram can detect any suspicious tissue changes. 
However, if imaging results are unclear or show abnormal features, a biopsy is the definitive way to confirm whether a lump is benign or malignant. So, think of imaging as the first step, and a biopsy as the final confirmation if needed.

Can imaging tests alone confirm if a breast lump is benign or malignant?

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