biopsy/lumpectomy

[carol05]

If a breast biopsy and a lumpectomy are required, can a general surgeon do it or is it better to have an oncology surgeon?

[BJSaws]

A general surgeon can do both a biopsy and a lumpectomy.  A breast specialist is like any other specialist...he/she concentrates on a specific area of the body.  A surgeon at a regional oncology center/hospital probably started as a general surgeon and then decided to specialize. Your personal confidence in the general surgeon should probably determine if you choose him/her to do the surgery.  If you want a specialist and there is one in your area, then an oncology surgeon would be a good choice if that would make you feel more comfortable.

[snowmassnurse]

Hey Carol,
I have personal experience w/ both options.  If it's possible to have a stereotactic biopsy done (special machine) I would do that so that a marker can be placed for follow-up, whether that is another mammogram of a lumpectomy.  It's much more precise than a needle biopsy.  

If it is recommended that you have a lumpectomy I would recommend that you have an ultrasound or an MRI prior to, especially if you are "densely breasted".  Following my biopsy done w/ stereotactic machine to biopsy microcalcifications I did not have a follow-up US.  As it turns out, because of dense breast tissue the mammogram missed a larger tumor.  After my lumpectomy the pathology report found it and I needed to have another surgery.  

As far as the type of surgeon, it would depend on what procedure you needed.  Sometimes it's nice to have an oncology team and that would include the surgeon.  I think as long as the surgeon's reputation and bedside manner appeals to you, get a person you communicate well with.  

I wish for a benign report and a great summer.

best to you,
Karen