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The treatment of breast cancer is contingent upon a number of factors, including:

• Type of breast cancer
• Location of the cancer
• Stage of the disease

The one of the first steps in evaluating breast cancer is a biopsy. If a woman or her physician finds a suspicious lump or if a mammogram identifies an abnormal area, then a biopsy may be performed to get a tissue sample. This sample will be examined by a pathologist to determine whether or not the abnormality is cancer.

There are two types of biopsies, fine needle and core needle biopsies. If the physician can not easily feel the lump, he or she can use ultrasound or a computerized stereotactic needle biopsy to find the exact location of the lump. Other tests used to evaluate breast cancer are: chest x-ray, bone scan, CT scan, PET scan and MRI scan.

There are two separate issues that must be addressed during the treatment of breast cancer. Local treatment, for the breast itself, can include surgery and/or radiation therapy. Systemic treatment, for the spread of breast cancer, can include chemotherapy and/ or hormonal therapy.

Breast cancer patients at Blumenthal Cancer Center have access to the most current and innovative research studies available in the United States. High-risk individuals who do not have breast cancer also may participate in national breast cancer prevention studies.