Questions to ask breast surgeon/specialist (High RIsk)

[dazed65]

I was referred to  breast specialist/surgeon due to: 1. High Risk 3 immediate famlly members with breast cancer 2. Very dense breast tissue,pain, burning and dishcharge from one breast. Do you have a list of questions I should ask?

[SueYoung55]

I'd ask them for the name of a very good genetic counselor and I'd meet with them to evaluate your personal risk for BC. Have you or anyone in your family been tested to see if you are positive for a BRCA 1 or 2 mutation?

If you haven't had a BC diagnosis I'd not go to a surgeon yet. I'd get as much information I could starting with an evaluation from a genetic counselor first. When you see a breast specialist, ask about different surveillance options, what they'd recommend for you. Mammograms every six months? Or a mammogram and then 6 months later an MRI and so on. Or, if you're considering prophyllactic mastectomies with or without reconstruction, you may want to read this post and see the reconstruction options available.

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Breast-Cancer/Trans-flap-vs-implants/show/1308880

Women who choose to do this go in with breasts and walk out with "breasts" but very very little breast tissue which reduces their risk to one or two percent. Again, a counselor can help you decide what YOUR personal risks are and give you information to guide you to YOUR best decision.

If you've been diagnosed with cancer absolutely get armed with information and find out your options and THEN interview surgeons to see who can do what you feel you need and want.

Best wishes

[japdip]

I would advise you to sit down and write any concerns you might have on paper and take this with you when you see the Surgeon. I don't know if you actually have a breast issue that has been proven by some type of imagery ... breast pain and breast discharge aren't unusual occurances and most women have dense breast tissue. Only you know what things you feel that you need to know so the list should be yours and yours alone. We each have different concerns under such circumstances. Regards ....