Breast Cancer Surgery

TWO-STEP TREATMENT

The two-step treatment method involves having a biopsy one day; then, if the lump is cancerous, the treatment takes place within the next few weeks. In many cases, the biopsy can be done on an out-patient basis - often in the doctor’s office or mammography suite. Most biopsies can be performed under local anesthesia. Your surgeon will discuss the specific type of biopsy with you.

The short time between biopsy and treatment (which will not reduce the chances for success) allows time to examine the permanent section slides, to perform additional tests to determine the extent of the disease, to discuss treatment options, to gain another medical opinion, to make home and work arrangements, and to prepare emotionally for the treatment.

It is normal to feel that the time between biopsy and surgery is too long, but it is very important to pursue additional studies and to give yourself time to digest the plethora of information you are faced with. Most patients, after given this time, come to a better understanding and acceptance of the emotions that surround this very confusing time.

Once a diagnosis of invasive cancer is made, you may go through a staging process to determine if the tumor has spread to any other organs in the body. This may include a chest x-ray, liver function tests, or bone scan. More commonly, your physician may request a PET scan, MRI, or CAT scan. An abnormality in these does not mean the tumor has spread but that further testing is needed.

Contact Dr. Lisa Curcio to discuss your risk for breast cancer . Dr. Curcio is a breast cancer heredity risk specialist and she can advise you on your breast cancer risk.

Visit "Advanced Breast Care Specialists of Orange County"  in Mission Viejo, California.