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In a typical scenario, a woman who has had a breast lump and a mammogram which indicates a potential problem is referred to the Breast Care Center by her primary physician. During her first visit she will be seen by a breast surgeon and will undergo appropriate diagnostic procedures such as fine needle aspiration or ultrasound guided biopsy, with on-site microscopic analysis by a pathologist.
If cancer is found, a dedicated breast care coordinator works with the patient to schedule appointments with the appropriate specialists in a follow-up visit. A patient educator is available for patient education and risk assessment. Should additional treatment be required with radiation or chemotherapy, appropriate consultations are available on the spot.
After meeting with the specialists, the patient leaves at the end of the visit with a treatment plan in place. Most surgical procedures require only an overnight stay, and are usually scheduled for the following week. |