Your Health Care Team
If your lump does contain
cancer cells, you will need a team of medical experts. No one doctor is able
to provide all the services you may need. Here are some of the experts you
may need.
Anesthesiologist:
a doctor who gives medications that keep you comfortable during surgery.
Clinical
Nurse Specialist:
a nurse with special training who can help answer
questions and provide information on resources and support services.
Oncologist:
a doctor who uses chemotherapy or hormone therapy to treat cancer.
Pathologist:
a doctor who examines tissue and cells under a microscope to decide if they
are normal or cancer.
Physical
Therapist:
a medical professional who teaches exercises that help
restore arm and shoulder movements after surgery.
Plastic
Surgeon:
a doctor who can rebuild (reconstruct) your "breast."
Radiation
Oncologist:
a doctor who uses radiation therapy to treat cancer.
Radiologist:
a doctor who reads mammograms and performs other tests, such as x rays or
ultrasound.
Social
Worker:
a professional who can talk with you about your emotional or
physical needs.
Surgeon:
a doctor who performs biopsies and other surgical procedures such as the
removal of your lump (lumpectomy) or your breast (mastectomy).
