Comprehensive Evaluation of Breast Concerns
Complete Range of Diagnostic Evaluations
The BreastCare Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center offers a complete range of diagnostic evaluations including:
Care for Benign Breast Conditions and Breast Cancer
Additionally we consult on, assess, treat and manage all manner of benign (non-cancerous) breast conditions and breast cancer.
Benign Breast Conditions
Our team of breast specialists evaluate, treat and provide guidance on many kinds of benign (non-cancerous) breast problems and diseases, including:
- Breast pain
- Breast infections
- Breast lumps and thickenings
- Nipple discharge
- Abnormal breast imaging
- Management for those with family history of breast cancer
Breast Cancer
If you have symptoms that may indicate breast cancer, we work together with your referring physician to provide:
- Initial diagnosis and treatment
- Second opinions
- Long-term follow-up care
We review your medical record and symptoms, and then design a plan of care that is right for you. Care can include meeting with a breast surgeon, or visiting our multidisciplinary clinic. In our multidisciplinary clinic, you can see a breast surgeon, medical oncologist and radiation oncologist on the same day, in one location, for convenience and ease. You may meet with one or several doctors at the same time, who are also available to one another for immediate discussion about your care.
Whether you see one of our surgeons, or visit our multidisciplinary clinic, you can expect:
- A physical examination
- A review of your existing imaging studies
- A discussion about next steps
If you have had a biopsy, it is important for us to review the report and have our pathologists look at the actual slides from the biopsy.
Multidisciplinary Conference
During your visit, after you meet with our specialists, our multidisciplinary team of experts will conference together to review your information and combined recommendations for care. Our radiologists present your imaging studies and our pathologists review the results of your tissue biopsy. Breast surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, and nurse practitioners voice their opinions. Together as a team – focused solely on you – we reach agreement on the best treatment options for your particular breast cancer. Before you leave the BreastCare Center, we will present you and your support person with a comprehensive plan of care. This written plan describes your treatment and follow-up recommendations.
Our clinic and multidisciplinary conference offer you an integrated approach to evaluation and treatment to:
- Enhance diagnostic accuracy
- Provide the most appropriate care, based on the location and extent of your breast cancer
- Give you the broadest range of treatment choices
- Personalize your care, and address your questions and concerns
Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program
The Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program focuses on the hereditary risk of cancer, including breast and ovarian cancer. Some individuals have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Our team of cancer-risk specialists, including a genetic counselor, can review your detailed family history and discuss:
- Your risk of inheriting cancer
- The risks and benefits of genetic testing
- How to reduce the chance of developing related cancers in the future
- How to increase the chance of early detection
- The clinical studies currently underway at BIDMC
