Community & Partners

Community and Partners

When it comes to diagnosing, treating and curing a patient with breast cancer or disease it requires the medical expertise and services of several different types of physicians and care providers. Below are descriptions of the different types of care providers to include links to some of the organizations we work closely with:

Primary Care Provider (PCP) – your primary physician, physician assistant, or gynecologist whom you see for regular medical care and advice. Upon discovery of a lump or other breast related issue your PCP will refer you to a Surgeon who can perform a thorough exam and interpret mammograms, ultrasound, and other imaging.

Radiologist – this is the person who typically performs and interprets mammograms. If a suspicious result is found the radiologist typically will refer you to a breast surgeon. A radiologist can also help with tumor location prior to surgery.

Medical Oncologist – is a physician trained int he identification, calculation and administration of drug therapies that can shrink and sometimes eliminate tumors. Commonly referred to as Chemotherapy.

Surgical Oncologist (breast surgeon) – At Prevail Breast Center this is a fellowship trained breast surgeon. The breast surgeon will be the physician that conduct surgery if necessary and will coordinate other medical services.

Pathologist – a physician trained to perform analysis of biopsy tissue and tumors. They define whether a tumor is benign or cancerous. They also can determine if an excised tumor was completely removed

Plastic Surgeon – is a physician trained in plastic surgery. A plastic surgeon conducts reconstructive and aesthetic surgery on women. Breast reconstruction after mastectomy is an example. The plastic surgeon is not the same as the breast surgeon.

Radiation Oncologist – a physician trained in the use of radiation (xray) to treat, shrink, kill tumorous growths in the body.

Medical Geneticist – a person who reviews your family history and DNA analysis in order to calculate probabilities related to breast cancer risk and or recurrence.

Physical Therapy – whenever surgery is performed, especially related to the breast, it is often necessary to participate in physical therapy in order to restore mobility and to minimize the potential of long term lymphedema (chronic swelling)

Community Outreach – these are organizations dedicated to helping women address the psychological and social aspects of recovering from breast cancer.