- What do I do if I have a concern about my breast?
- How is breast cancer diagnosed?
- What kinds of breast conditions do you manage?
- What are the most common breast cancer treatments?
- May I bring a care partner with me to appointments?
- What if I don’t have health insurance or if I have other financial concerns?
- I’m worried my condition will get worse while I wait for my first appointment. Can I get in to see someone sooner?
- What will my breast look like after surgery?
What do I do if I have a concern about my breast?
You can call us at any time for an appointment or visit your primary care provider for a clinical assessment and ask them for a referral to our office.
At a diagnostic appointment, we thoroughly evaluate your symptoms. If you need further tests, such as a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, or biopsy, we schedule them for you. When you have a complete diagnosis, we design an evidence-based treatment plan tailored to your diagnosis and priorities.
How is breast cancer diagnosed?
Breast cancer is detected by imaging, feeling a lump, or noticing a change in your breast. Once an area of concern is identified, additional diagnostic imaging tests may be performed, such as additional mammograms, ultrasound, or, occasionally, MRI. Then a biopsy is performed to make the diagnosis
What kinds of breast conditions do you manage?
We treat early-stage and metastatic breast cancer, as well as high-risk lesions that may lead to cancer. We also provide care for people at higher risk for cancer due to their family history and genetics and for people with benign breast lesions.
What are the most common breast cancer treatments?
Breast cancer treatments depend on the type of breast cancer diagnosed and other factors. Common treatments include surgery, radiation and systemic therapy (hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy).
May I bring a care partner with me to appointments?
Yes, we encourage you to bring a care partner to your appointments for support and to provide another set of ears, since there is often a lot of information covered. You also have access to our Patient Support Corps, who can help support you during your appointments by taking notes
What if I don’t have health insurance, or if I have other financial concerns?
We connect you with our Patient Financial Services to assess your insurance options and to help get you signed up for a plan. If you have financial stress or other concerns about the cost of your treatment, please ask to speak with our social worker about additional resources.
I’m worried that the cancer will get worse while I wait for my first appointment. Can I get in to see someone sooner?
As soon as you receive a diagnosis of breast cancer, we work to get you scheduled to meet the best members of our team for your circumstances. We use the time before your first appointment to:
- Analyze your medical history, diagnostic imaging and biopsy results
- Determine the best treatment options for your condition
This process helps make the most of your first appointment and provide prompt, effective treatment.
What will my breast look like after surgery?
Anticipating how your breast may look after breast-conserving surgery, also known as lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, is a common concern. Your results will depend on your individual treatment and your unique anatomy. If you want to explore breast reconstruction after surgery, we connect you with our plastic surgeons. We take time to hear your concerns, answer your questions and discuss the best options for you. You can also learn more about breast reconstruction through The American Cancer Society.