Triple assessment

Triple assessment

Patients presenting with a breast lump, nipple discharge or other symptoms are assessed by a combination of clinical examina - tion, radiological imaging and tissue sampling taken for either cytological or histological analysis. This combined approach is called ‘triple assessment’ ( Figure 58.2 ). The positive predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of this combination approach 100%. The clinical assessment should inv olve a thorough history and clinical breast examination that includes inspection and palpation ( Figure 58.3 and 58.2 ).