Triple-assessment
Established approach for breast complaints: three pillars increase diagnostic reliability:
- Clinical examination — in our practice
- Imaging — sono in-house, mammography/MRI through network
- Biopsy / histology — ultrasound-guided core biopsy in our practice, histology at our partner laboratory
Clinical examination
Inspection and palpation of both breasts and axillae, standing and supine. We discuss your self-observations, risk factors and family history.
Breast ultrasound
High-resolution ultrasound uses no ionising radiation and no compression. It is primarily used for targeted assessment and can complement mammography for selected questions. As a stand-alone early-detection test in asymptomatic patients — including those with dense breast tissue or a family history — it does not replace mammography or a specialist high-risk strategy.
Mammography
The Swiss Cancer League recommends that women at average risk aged 50 to 74 have an early-detection mammogram every two years, ideally within a quality-assured programme. Imaging for a symptom is diagnostic assessment, not screening.
Zurich context, as of 11 July 2026: The Canton of Zurich does not yet have an organised mammography-screening programme exempt from the insurance deductible. There is therefore no automatic invitation. After medical counselling, mammography can be arranged with a radiology partner. According to the Swiss Cancer League, basic insurance in a canton without a programme does not cover a purely preventive mammogram in a person without increased risk; clarify any supplementary-insurance benefit beforehand. Medical assessment or a recognised increased-risk situation is governed by different basic-insurance rules; the deductible (Franchise) and co-payment may apply.
Biopsy / histology
For suspect findings, a tissue sample provides the decisive diagnostic clarity. We perform the ultrasound-guided core biopsy in our own practice — minimally invasive and ambulatory. The sample is processed by our partner laboratory — report in 5 – 7 days, with thorough discussion.
Further management is decided according to the result; for a malignant or unclear finding this happens in close cooperation with a certified breast centre, so that treatment can follow without delay.
Screening by age and risk
- Under 50, average risk and no symptoms: There is no blanket Swiss standard for an annual clinical breast examination or routine imaging for every 20- to 39-year-old. Know what is normal for your breasts and have any new change assessed promptly at any age.
- Ages 50 to 74, average risk: Make an informed decision about mammography every two years; in the Canton of Zurich this is outside an organised programme and costs should be clarified first.
- Outside ages 50 to 74: Discuss benefits and possible harms individually, taking account of health, risk and personal preferences.
- Increased or hereditary risk: Start with structured risk assessment and, where the family history warrants it, genetic counselling. A specialist centre determines the starting age, interval and modalities according to risk; these may include mammography and/or MRI. Ultrasound may be an adjunct, not the sole strategy.
Benefits and possible harms
Quality-assured screening can detect breast cancer earlier, lower breast-cancer mortality and allow less burdensome treatment. Participation remains a personal and voluntary decision.
Possible harms include false-positive findings leading to further imaging or biopsy and anxiety, false-negative results, overdiagnosis with possible overtreatment, a low radiation dose and temporarily uncomfortable compression. New symptoms still require assessment after a normal mammogram.
Clinical sources (accessed 11 July 2026): Swiss Cancer League: mammography screening ages 50–74 and risk-adapted counselling · Swiss Cancer League: benefits, possible harms and costs · Swiss Cancer League: programme status in Zurich, 28 May 2026 · Government Council of the Canton of Zurich: evaluation and cost rules, Decision 283/2025.