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Date of Award
Spring 2025
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Zachary Weik, DSc, MHS, PA-C
Abstract
Invasive breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies world-wide, and frequently, diagnosis starts the pathway to surgical intervention. When planning breast surgeries, the progression of invasive breast cancer is one of the most influential factors for breast-conserving therapy versus mastectomy. As such, it is crucial that appropriate screening is performed to identify potentially malignant lesions. Such screening studies are often ordered by primary care providers, and patients should be well-informed regarding their risk factors, the indications for screening, and the results of their screening imaging prior to their first appointment with a breast surgeon. Furthermore, if invasive breast cancer is diagnosed and a patient proceeds to surgical intervention, a provider should be able to adjust their clinical assessment to identify critical symptoms or exam findings at any point in the surgical pathway. This article provides a holistic guide into the surgical pathway that a patient may follow for management of invasive breast cancer to allow for sufficient patient education and appropriate care from all providers.
Recommended Citation
Craig, James, "Screening to surgery: A guide to the management of invasive breast cancer" (2025). Capstone Showcase. 87.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2025/pa/87
Screening to surgery: A guide to the management of invasive breast cancer
Invasive breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies world-wide, and frequently, diagnosis starts the pathway to surgical intervention. When planning breast surgeries, the progression of invasive breast cancer is one of the most influential factors for breast-conserving therapy versus mastectomy. As such, it is crucial that appropriate screening is performed to identify potentially malignant lesions. Such screening studies are often ordered by primary care providers, and patients should be well-informed regarding their risk factors, the indications for screening, and the results of their screening imaging prior to their first appointment with a breast surgeon. Furthermore, if invasive breast cancer is diagnosed and a patient proceeds to surgical intervention, a provider should be able to adjust their clinical assessment to identify critical symptoms or exam findings at any point in the surgical pathway. This article provides a holistic guide into the surgical pathway that a patient may follow for management of invasive breast cancer to allow for sufficient patient education and appropriate care from all providers.