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Health -
Breast Cancer
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If your doctor has given you a diagnosis of breast cancer, there may be many things running through your mind. You may not have even considered asking him or her about certain things that will help you to better understand the disease, treatment options and your overall prognosis.
The following is a list of common questions that patients ask doctors when receiving a breast cancer diagnosis. If you are still in shock or your head is spinning from your news, these questions can help you to get a better idea of what you are dealing with and how to handle certain situations.
How positive is my diagnosis?
The number one question that patients as when receiving a cancer diagnosis of any kind is just how positive is that diagnosis. Many cancers are very easily diagnosed by simply evaluating the affected tissue. Although this is the rule of thumb for the most common forms of breast cancer, it is not always a definite. There is always ongoing research to find ways to detect rarer and earlier forms of breast cancer and it may be difficult to find a concrete diagnosis for specific groups of cells. You should keep in mind however that most pathology labs have many different pathologists who will review each case, particularly if there are slides that are difficult to read. In many cases that are too difficult for the pathologist to diagnose, slides containing tissue samples are sent to specialists who have a lot of experience in diagnosing breast cancer.
What kind of breast cancer?
This is another good question that many patients ask after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis. There are many different types of breast cancer and each type may have different implications. Breast cancer in theory is categorized as one disease, but the disease itself may range widely from a localized cancer to an invasive cancer that spreads very fast. Other types include colloid carcinomas as well as papillary carcinomas which both have a very favorable prognosis in virtually all patients.
Is an accurate diagnosis important?
An accurate diagnosis of the stage and type of your breast cancer is crucial. This will help your physician to determine the best path of treatment for you. Breast cancer treatments vary widely and each is specifically designed to provide the best results for a specific stage or type of breast cancer. Your physician will be able to give you more information about your specific type of breast cancer and the treatment options that are available and that will work best for your individual case.
Should I get a second opinion?
A second opinion in any medical case is never a bad idea. This is particularly true of cancer cases and those involving other major illnesses. You can ask your doctor to recommend another physician for a second opinion or check with your friends and family for referrals.
Your physician will likely recommend a specialist for your case as well who will double check your diagnosis and answer any additional questions that you may have. It is always a good idea to be sure. If you are having trouble dealing with your breast cancer diagnosis, your doctor can also refer you to a therapist who will work with you to ensure that you fully understand your disease as well as your treatment options. Never be afraid to ask questions. Your doctor will gladly take the time to go over all of your options with you, you simply have to ask.
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Health & Beauty 
