During the course of your treatment, you may interact with one, several or all of the following departments.
A radiologist who specializes in breast imaging and a mammogram or ultrasound technician will provide the images to identify any abnormalities in your breasts. If indicated, your primary care provider will refer you for a breast biopsy, which will be performed by a radiologist or general surgeon. You and your radiologist, primary care provider and/or a general surgeon will determine the best method for your biopsy.
A general surgeon performs breast surgery. You may see a general surgeon for evaluation of a “lump” you can feel, or one only visible on your mammogram or ultrasound. If a biopsy is needed, the general surgeon will discuss the type of biopsy and follow-up care. When a decision is made, the surgeon's office will schedule the procedure and advise you of the date, time and place. The office will advise you of any necessary pre-operative testing and will schedule a follow-up appointment at which time your surgeon will give you the biopsy results. He or she may call you with the results if they are available sooner. If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, your surgeon will discuss surgical options, including a lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy or a mastectomy.
The pathologist is a physician whose specialty is examining tissue removed from the body to determine if there is disease that needs treatment. If the pathologist diagnoses breast cancer, he or she will request a second opinion from a fellow pathologist. The pathologists will attend the weekly Breast Tumor Board conference and discuss the diagnosis with the multidisciplinary team.
Medical oncologist
Two oncology specialists will be part of your treatment team. The medical oncologist is a physician who specializes in treating cancer with drugs. He or she will meet with you to discuss recommendations for treatment options such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy and additional diagnostic studies. The medical oncologist is concerned with the possible effects of breast cancer on your whole body – called systemic therapy.
Radiation oncologist
The radiation oncologist is a physician who specializes in the treatment of cancer using radiation therapy. The goal of this treatment is to eradicate the cancer from your breast and possibly from your lymph nodes – called local therapy.
You will have an initial consultation with both the medical and radiation oncologist. These appointments can be made at the time of diagnosis or after your lumpectomy or mastectomy surgery. The Center for Breast Care Coordinator and your surgeon will help you determine when to schedule these consultations.
The Center for Breast Care Coordinator will be available to you throughout your treatment process. She will contact you following your diagnosis to schedule an appointment for you and your family or significant other to meet with her to discuss any questions you have about your diagnosis and potential treatment options. She will provide you with resource information and literature about breast cancer as well as information about community services and support groups.
There are many mental health professionals available to help you with the emotional, mental and spiritual impact of a breast cancer diagnosis. The members of this team may include psychiatrists, psychotherapists, acupuncture and medical massage therapists. Your physician team and Center for Breast Care Coordinator can provide you with information about accessing these therapists.