What to read before my pathology report?
Meet the Experts
Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a general surgeon with a focus in breast cancer care and the CEO and medical director of the Comprehensive Breast Care Institute at DSI of Bucks County, PA.
Ann Ainsworth, M.D. is a surgical pathologist at Paoli, Bryn Mawr, and Lankenau Hospitals in Pennsylvania.
Marisa Weiss, M.D., a Philadelphia oncologist, is the founder and president of Breastcancer.org.
Question from Hockey Mom: What can I read ahead of time to understand all these terms? Is there a book you can recommend?
- Answer —Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: Go to www.breastcancer.org. We have a Celebrity Talking Dictionary, where you can actually hear the words pronounced, and definitions of all the terms. We also have a booklet specifically on "Understanding Your Breast Cancer Pathology Report." You can download a copy on the Web site or order a free copy, in English or in Spanish. Bring this to your doctor's office and ask your doctor to fill in the information that is specific to your case. Only your doctor can tell you how your unique circumstances will influence the design of your treatment plan.
On Wednesday, November 17, 2004, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Your Operative and Pathology Reports. Beth Baughman Dupree, M.D., F.A.C.S. and Ann Ainsworth, M.D. answered your questions about details of pathology and operative reports and the importance of discussing them with your doctors.
The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.
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