|
|
Article: Postmastectomy breast reconstruction: helping patients decide whether--and when: immediate breast reconstruction is fast becoming the procedure of choice for patients who undergo mastectomy. To counsel patients effectively, you need to understand why.
- Article from:
- JAAPA-Journal of the American Academy of Physicians Assistants
- Article date:
- December 1, 2003
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 Haymarket Media, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
The primary care clinician may be the first to identify an abnormal finding in a patient's breast or the first provider consulted regarding a lump identified on self-examination. Even if a suspicious finding was first identified on screening mammography, the primary care provider may refer the patient to a specialist. When a diagnosis of breast cancer has been established, the primary care PA should be prepared to act as a resource, which includes being able to educate patients regarding options for reconstructive surgery following mastectomy (see "Facts about breast cancer").
When patients require referral to specialists for care, primary care PAs may be tempted ...