What’s the Reason for a Referral to a Breast Care Specialist?
With 1 in 8 women developing breast cancer in their lifetime, staying proactive about breast health is essential. Annual mammograms are recommended starting at age 40, though those with a family history or other risk factors may need earlier or more frequent screenings.
Sometimes, if an abnormality is found, your clinician may refer you to a breast specialist for further testing, such as biopsies or ultrasounds.
This often leads to questions about what a breast specialist does and how they differ from other women’s health providers. In this article, we’ll break it all down and show you how the experts at Cohen Medical Practice can support you every step of the way.
What Is a Breast Care Specialist?
A breast care specialist—also known as a mastologist—is the go-to expert for anything related to breast health, from routine monitoring to diagnosing and treating diseases in both women and men.
Their role includes:
- Spoting malignant growths (cancer) in their earliest stages.
- Distinguishing between cancerous and benign lumps.
- Keeping a close watch on patients with precancerous conditions or a family history of breast cancer.
What Do Breast Care Specialists Do?
Dr. Erb at Cohen Medical Practice diagnoses and treats breast conditions using a set of advanced techniques, including:
- Mammograms: Whether traditional or 3-D, these screenings help catch breast cancer early.
- Breast Ultrasound: Using high-frequency sound waves, we examine breast tissue to identify cysts or masses.
- Breast MRI: This helps determine how far cancer has spread and finds other abnormalities.
- Biopsy: A tissue sample is analyzed to check for cancer and its extent.
- Genetic Testing: This assesses your risk for developing cancer, based on your genetics.
- Surgery: If needed, your specialist will perform breast tissue removal, whether partial or full.
If cancer is detected, your breast care specialist can refer you to radiation oncologists for further treatment.
Finding a Breast Care Specialist Near You
Cohen Medical Practice has locations in Queens, Columbus Circle, and Madison Avenue. Our dedicated crew of experts—patient navigators, board-certified OB-GYNs, and ultrasound techs—all work together to give you the best care possible.
We use the latest in mammogram technology to make sure your screenings are as accurate as can be. But it’s not just about the tech—it’s about you feeling in control of your health. We’ll walk you through everything, answer your questions, and work hand-in-hand with your other doctors and specialists to make sure you get the care you deserve.
Got your annual mammogram on the horizon? Or did your primary care doctor recommend a closer look with a breast care specialist? Whatever the reason, we’ve got you covered. Call Cohen Medical Practice at (347) 545-2520 or book your appointment online—whatever works best for you!