All suspicious breast lumps should undergo biopsy. A breast biopsy can be done in the office or in the hospital. If the diagnosis of breast cancer is made, then a decision regarding definitive treatment must be made. Surgery is almost always required. Sometimes, radiation and/or chemotherapy are also needed.
Breast cancer does not always lead to a complete mastectomy. Women have options concerning the treatment of breast cancer. Modified radical mastectomy is the first option and involves removing the entire breast along with lymph nodes under the arm. Reconstruction can be performed at the same time or in a delayed fashion. The second option is called Breast Conservation. This will involve removing only a portion of the breast and giving radiation to the remaining part. The lymph nodes are usually removed through a separate incision under the arm. We also refer to this procedure as Lumpectomy, axillary dissection, and post-op radiation. 85% of all breast cancer patients can be treated with either option with equal survival rates. Remember that breast cancer can be treated without mastectomy in most situations.
Other physicians in addition to your surgeon are sometimes needed to complete your treatment. We routinely work as a team with both Radiation Oncologists and Medical Oncologists to help coordinate treatment. A Radiation Oncologist is responsible for giving radiation therapy for women who choose breast conservation. Medical Oncologists can give systemic chemotherapy if the cancer is advanced or aggressive.