In this Article

• I may have breast cancer, what questions should I ask my doctor?
• Is the doctor sure I have breast cancer?
• What kind of breast cancer do I have?
• What difference does a precise diagnosis make?
• What has been done to exclude cancer in other areas of the same breast or in my other breast?
• What type of medical team do I need for the most accurate diagnosis?
• Is my family history relevant to my diagnosis?
• What other studies should be done on my tissue biopsy?
• How urgent is it that I make decisions and begin treatment?
• Should I stop taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
• Even though my breast tumor does not have hormone receptors, should I take tamoxifen to reduce the risk of a new tumor?
• I have a ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a type of localized cancer. Why have I been advised to have a mastectomy when other women with invasive cancer have lumpectomies?
• Should I start chemotherapy before surgery?
• If I am advised to have a mastectomy, what are the risks and benefits of immediate breast reconstruction?
• Should my lymph nodes be removed?
• What is a sentinel lymph node biopsy, and what are its benefits and risks?
• Are there any other questions I should ask my doctor?
• Breast Cancer Questions To Ask The Doctor Glossary
• Breast Cancer Questions To Ask The Doctor Index

What is a sentinel lymph node biopsy, and what are its benefits and risks?

A sentinel node biopsy takes advantage of a peculiar physiologic and anatomical finding. Although there may be many lymph nodes in a particular drainage region, it appears that only one or two are the first recipients of the regional fluids.

This means that if any nodes will be involved by tumor spread, the sentinel node will be the first. It also means in general that if the sentinel node is not involved, then no other nodes will be affected. Therefore, only the sentinel node needs to be removed. There are techniques for removing just the sentinel nodes. A sentinel node biopsy allows the pathologist to more intensively study this node and apply specialized techniques that are capable of detecting even a few cancer cells.

Are there any other questions I should ask my doctor?

Yes. There are surely other questions you will wish to ask. Do not hesitate to be very open about your concerns with your doctor. The foregoing questions and comments should demonstrate that the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer may not be a simple process. Even when all the information is available, there may be difficulties in deciding a proper course of action. However, this decision-making process has a better chance of success when you and the doctor are well-informed and communicating effectively. Although the information here cannot be all-inclusive, we hope it will help you work through this process.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• tamoxifen, Nolvadex -
• Breast Biopsy - Learn about the different types of breast biopsy procedures, which are used to remove suspicious breast growth and examined for the presence of cancer.
• Breast Cancer - Get the facts on breast cancer symptoms, signs, stages, types, research, risk factors, diagnosis, prevention information and treatment options: mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy.

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