How to Prepare for a Malignant Breast Cancer Biopsy

by | Apr 14, 2021 | Breast Cancer

There is this waiting period between when you have a biopsy to check for breast cancer and when you get the biopsy results that you feel scared and powerless, quite frankly. You spend time googling every worst-case scenario. You think about what your breasts mean for your physical identity. You start searching for “breast cancer treatment near me.”

You dig deep with big questions while you wait…and wait…and wait.

Typically, biopsy results take a few days to a week or so to return. That is a lot of time to soul search.

Then the big question: How will you respond if the results come back, and your doctor tells you that you have breast cancer?

  • Will you freeze?
  • Will you cry?
  • Will you ask the right questions at that moment?
  • What will you do?

If you are going through this right now, you are not alone. About 1.6 million women in the United States have breast biopsies each year.  Twenty-percent of those tests will come back as malignant according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Being prepared to get your results is something you can do to empower yourself as you wait.

Here is a list of questions from the American Cancer Society you may want to have on hand for when your doctor calls with your biopsy results. 

  • What type of cancer do I have?
  • Where is it located and how big is it?
  • Has it spread to other places?
  • What stage is it, and what does that mean for me?
  • Will I need any other tests before we can decide on treatment?
  • What is the hormone receptor status and the HER2 status and what does that mean for me?
  • How will this information affect my treatment?
  • What are the survival statistics of my cancer?
  • Do I need to do genetic testing?
  • How do I get a copy of my pathology report?
  • What are the next steps?
  • Who do I talk to about a treatment plan?
  • Should I get a second opinion?

Breast Cancer Treatment Near Me

The answer to the question about getting a second opinion is a definite yes.

With a second opinion, you may gain a new perspective or learn about a treatment option that may be better for you. That’s where the experienced staff at the CyberKnife Center of Miami can help.

The American Cancer Society says treatment depends on the type of cancer and the stage.

Those treatments may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of these.

If your treatment plan involves any form of radiation, or even if you want to talk through your diagnosis with us, give CyberKnife Miami a call.

Breast Cancer Radiation Treatment

CyberKnife treatment for breast cancer is what is called Stereotactic Partial-Breast Radiation. It is a safe and effective treatment designed to reduce long-term risks and shorten the length of the treatment course.

The experts at CyberKnife Miami say, “CyberKnife is a faster, safer way to treat breast cancer with outstanding tumor control, better cosmetic results and less radiation exposure to the surrounding vital organs – like the heart and the lungs.”

When doctors decrease the amount of radiation to the heart and lungs, the risk of developing other issues — such as heart disease, reduced lung function, or secondary cancer — is also decreased.

CyberKnife Miami completes the treatment course in a shorter timeframe as well – reducing treatments from up to 35 over several weeks to five treatments in just a few days.

Breast Cancer Treatment Miami

CyberKnife Miami opened its doors in 2003 and was the 11th center of its kind to open in the United States. 

Since that time, we have treated hundreds of cancer patients with varying stages of the disease.

We know that breast cancer is a scary diagnosis. We know you have a lot to consider when thinking about your treatment plan and we are ready to partner with you, getting you through this challenging time with the least disruption to your life as possible. 

If you are interested in learning more about CyberKnife Miami call us now at 305-279-2900 or go to our website www.cyberknifemiami.com.