Monday, May 21, 2012


 

 

A Patient and Doctor Dialogue on Early-stage Breast Cancer Treatment


Created 1 years 5 days ago


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  • What is breast cancer, and what type do I have?
  • How does breast cancer spread?
  • What does "early-stage" breast cancer mean?
  • How is early-stage breast cancer treated?
  • What’s my chance of surviving this cancer with each type of surgery? Does the type of surgery affect whether the cancer can come back?
  • How do I decide which surgery is right for me?

 

Questions about breast-sparing surgery with radiation

 

  • If I choose breast-sparing surgery, how much of my breast has to be taken out?
  • Will breast-sparing surgery affect the look of my breast? What will the scar look like?
  • Will I still have feeling in my breast after breast-sparing surgery?
  • What does radiation therapy after breast-sparing surgery involve?
  • Why do I need radiation therapy if the tumor is removed with clear margins?
  • What are the chances of the cancer coming back if I have breast-sparing surgery with radiation? How can you be sure no other "spots" will be left in the breast?  
  • What are the side effects of breast-sparing surgery? What about the side effects of radiation? I hear it makes the breast hard.
  • I heard that radiation can cause cancer. Will it increase my risk for other cancers?
  • If cancer comes back in the same breast after having breast-sparing surgery, will I need a mastectomy then? Will I be able to have breast reconstruction even though I have had radiation? 

 

Questions about mastectomy 

 

  • Can I have breast reconstruction at the same time as my mastectomy? 
  • Can I have a mastectomy without removing the nipple? What about the breast skin?
  • With reconstruction, can I change the size of my breasts? Can the plastic surgeon make the other breast match? Can the plastic surgeon make the breast look natural? Will I have any feeling in the reconstructed breast?
  • What are the side effects of mastectomy? What about breast reconstruction? 
  • If I have a mastectomy, does that mean I won’t need other treatment after surgery?
  • I have breast cancer in my family. Should I choose the more aggressive treatment? Should I have surgery to remove my healthy breast to keep from getting breast cancer in it? Should I have genetic testing?
  • I am worried about paying for treatment. Does one surgery cost more than the other?
  • I know that some women have arm swelling and pain after breast cancer surgery. Why does this happen?
  • Will I need treatment after surgery?

These are questions that breast cancer patients commonly ask their doctors.

  • What's your recommendation?
  • What treatment would you recommend if I were your wife/sister/daughter
  • What do most of your patients in my situation decide?
  • What happens after treatment? How often will I need to see you?
  • Should I get a second opinion?

 

For more information

 

See also...

 

  • Breast Cancer
  • Mammography
  • How To Get a Second Opinion

 





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