staging process

in staging cancer do they give tests like liver scan, bone scan, etc. before surgery. I cancer is found (stage 4) do they still remove the breast since the damage is already done? Also, can you spread cancer by feeling or pushing a lump with your fingers?

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear niki:  In most cases, the surgical intervention is done prior to any other testing.  Depending on the size of the tumor, lymph node status and presence of symptoms, scans or x-rays would be ordered if necessary.  If the disease was determined to have spread prior to surgery, the specifics of the situation would determine the type and order of treatment.  Surgery would not, necessarily, be ruled out.  No, you cannot spread cancer by feeling or pushing a lump with your fingers