The Margie Petersen Breast Center, a Center of Excellence

I Found a Lump or Other Breast Change

A new breast lump, nipple change, breast pain, skin change or other symptom can have many possible causes. Evaluation begins with the history of the change and a clinical breast examination, followed by diagnostic imaging or biopsy when appropriate. Patients with a new breast concern may be evaluated even when breast cancer has not been diagnosed.

Learn more about breast health and common breast conditions.

My Mammogram or Imaging Was Abnormal

An abnormal mammogram, ultrasound or other breast imaging result does not necessarily mean cancer. Additional imaging or tissue sampling may be recommended to determine whether the finding is benign or requires treatment. Our breast specialists coordinate clinical examination, diagnostic imaging and biopsy when needed so patients can understand the finding and move efficiently toward the appropriate next step.

Learn more about breast evaluation.

I Am Concerned About My Breast Cancer Risk

Personal health history, family history, breast density, previous breast biopsies and inherited genetic changes can influence breast cancer risk. For some patients, understanding risk can affect screening recommendations, genetic counseling or other preventive strategies. The Breast Center can help determine which risk factors are relevant and whether additional evaluation, surveillance or genetic counseling should be considered.

Learn more about family history, genetic testing and inherited breast cancer risk.

I Have Been Diagnosed With Breast Cancer

A breast cancer diagnosis brings a different set of questions: What type of cancer is it? Has it spread? Will I need surgery, radiation or medication? What are my options for breast reconstruction, and how quickly do decisions need to be made? Our multidisciplinary team reviews the pathology, imaging, tumor biology and other clinical findings to develop an individualized treatment plan.

Learn more about understanding a breast cancer diagnosis.

Coordinated Care From Diagnosis Through Recovery

For a patient undergoing breast evaluation, collaboration may mean coordinating diagnostic imaging and biopsy so the cause of an abnormal finding can be determined efficiently. For a patient with breast cancer, it may mean discussing whether surgery, medical treatment or radiation should come first and how one treatment may affect the options available later.

Treatment planning is another example of the importance of care coordination. Breast surgeons trained in oncoplastic techniques work with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, genetics specialists and wellness professionals to coordinate care around the individual patient. This approach supports more coordinated decision-making and can help reduce unnecessary delays between different parts of care.

Treatment Decisions Are Individualized

Two patients with breast cancer may have very different treatment plans. Recommendations can depend on cancer type, tumor size, lymph node involvement, hormone receptor and HER2 status, genomic information when appropriate, overall health and personal preferences.

Our goal is not to apply the same sequence of treatment to every patient, but to explain the available options and develop a plan based on the clinical findings and what matters most to the individual.

Breast Health

Breast symptoms such as lumps, pain, nipple changes, skin changes and other findings are common and often benign. Our breast specialists evaluate these concerns while also considering family history, genetics and other factors that may influence breast cancer risk.

Explore Breast Health & Conditions.

Breast Evaluation

When a breast concern or abnormal screening result needs further assessment, evaluation may include clinical examination, diagnostic mammography, ultrasound, MRI or biopsy depending on the finding. The goal is to identify the cause and determine the appropriate next step without unnecessary delay.

Learn more about Breast Evaluation.

Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy or a combination of approaches. The sequence and combination of treatments depend on the biology and extent of the cancer and the patient’s individual needs.

Explore Breast Cancer Treatment.

Breast Reconstruction

For patients undergoing mastectomy, breast reconstruction may be considered during the same operation or at a later time. Implant-based and autologous reconstruction are among the available approaches, while some patients choose not to reconstruct.

Learn more about Breast Reconstruction.