In last week’s Women’s Wellness, I caught up with Dr. Everett Bonner, a surgical breast oncologist at the Baton Rouge Clinic, to talk about why screening for breast cancer is so important. This week’s I’m asking, what’s next after the scan comes out abnormal?
“If anything shows up abnormal, that will determine what the next step is going to be as far as advanced imaging. Sometimes we go to an MRI. Sometimes we go to an ultrasound or if it’s just calcifications, then they go on to a biopsy, “said Dr. Bonner.
Now my question is, what does a biopsy entail?
“Biopsies are usually performed by a radiologist or a breast surgeon can do breast biopsies, and there are varies breast biopsies that are recommended according to what was found and how it was found. Some of them require radiographic evaluation and assistance for the biopsies. Some are ultrasound assisted biopsies. Some have to actually be done in the operating room,” explained Dr. Bonner. “So, that’s why it’s so important to see your breast surgeon. Once you’ve been identified of having an abnormality, see the breast surgeon, have them determine was abnormal and that will guide them toward what kind of biopsy is recommended.”
Dr. Bonner said the next step isn’t one size fits all.
“Every person is an individual, and I always recommend according to the patient, what I see on the legion, and we kind of form it around what is best for them,” concluded Dr. Bonner.