Türkçe
People who suspect breast cancer should first consult a general surgeon. General surgeons experienced in breast diseases evaluate symptoms such as a lump, pain, or discharge and initiate the necessary imaging and biopsy procedures. The diagnostic process is managed within this specialty.
Once the diagnosis is clarified, a multidisciplinary team becomes involved in the treatment process. Oncology departments step in at this stage. While the medical oncologist plans chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted medications, the radiation oncologist carries out radiotherapy when necessary.
When surgical treatment is required, the procedure is again performed by a general surgeon. Physicians who specialize in breast surgery should be preferred in particular. Procedures such as breast-conserving surgery, mastectomy, and axillary lymph node dissection are performed in this field.
Support units such as pathology, radiology, psychiatry, and physiotherapy also contribute to the diagnosis and treatment process. Breast cancer treatment requires an interdisciplinary approach, so it is recommended to apply preferably to hospitals with a breast unit.
Which Department Should Be Preferred for the First Consultation?
For people who apply to a healthcare institution with suspected breast cancer, the General Surgery department is generally considered the first point of contact. Breast diseases largely fall within the field of general surgery in Türkiye. The evaluation of breast tissue, manual examination, and planning of any necessary advanced tests are carried out by this department.
The general surgeon listens to the patient’s complaints and evaluates visible or palpable findings related to the breast. The process is often not limited to a single examination; imaging and opinions from other specialists may also be included when necessary.
What Does a General Surgeon Do in Breast Cancer?
The general surgeon is the physician who coordinates consultations related to breast health. During the examination, findings such as a palpable breast mass, skin retraction, redness, and nipple discharge are evaluated. The patient’s age, family history, and previously performed tests are also taken into consideration.
If deemed necessary, the patient is referred to the radiology department for examinations such as mammography, breast ultrasound, or, in some cases, breast MRI. These tests provide more detailed information about the nature of the change in the breast. The general surgeon evaluates the results comprehensively and contributes to planning the next steps.
Which Specialist Becomes Involved During the Imaging Process?
The Radiology department plays an important role in suspicious conditions related to the breast. Radiologists are physicians who have received specialized training in breast imaging. Breast tissue is examined in detail using methods such as mammography and ultrasound.
These examinations do not always indicate a serious disease. Imaging results may sometimes point only to benign changes that require follow-up. Radiology reports are generally evaluated by the general surgeon, and the patient is informed.
When Should an Oncology Specialist Be Consulted?
Before a breast cancer diagnosis is confirmed, it is often unnecessary to apply directly to the oncology department. Oncology specialists become involved after the diagnosis is clarified. Therefore, oncology is generally a specialty that enters the process at the second stage.
After the diagnosis is established, the opinions of medical oncology or radiation oncology specialists may be obtained depending on the patient’s condition. At this stage, the course to be followed is personalized according to the patient’s general health status and the characteristics of the disease. Clinical decisions are shaped not by a single specialty but often through the joint evaluation of multiple specialists.
How Relevant Is the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department?
Some people may consider applying to the Obstetrics and Gynecology department for breast-related problems. This department may perform a breast examination during routine gynecological checkups and refer the patient to the relevant specialty if a suspicious condition is detected.
However, when breast cancer is suspected, detailed evaluation and follow-up are generally carried out by general surgery. Therefore, gynecologists mainly have a referral role.
Is It Reasonable to Consult a Family Physician?
For people who notice a symptom but do not know where to apply, a Family Physician may be a good starting point. The family physician listens to the patient’s complaints and helps refer the patient to the appropriate specialty. Especially among people who receive regular health follow-up, the family physician is often the first doctor consulted.
The family physician can ensure that the process begins correctly, but the diagnostic evaluation is performed in departments specialized in breast diseases.
Which Department Should Be Consulted for a Checkup Without Symptoms?
Not every case of breast cancer begins with symptoms. In some people, findings may be detected during checkups even when there are no complaints. For checkup purposes, the general surgery or radiology departments may also be preferred.
The frequency of checkups may vary according to age and individual risk factors. There is no exact schedule that applies to everyone. The follow-up plan is determined individually through physician evaluation.
Why May the Process Involve More Than One Doctor?
Breast cancer evaluation is often not a process decided by a single physician. The general surgeon, radiologist, pathologist, and oncology specialists work together when necessary. This approach contributes both to clarifying the diagnosis and to informing the patient correctly.
Although this situation may seem confusing to patients, interdisciplinary evaluation actually helps medical decisions to be made more reliably. The patient’s questions are answered at every step, and efforts are made to carry out the process transparently.
In Which Situations Is Specialist Evaluation Absolutely Necessary?
When findings such as a palpable breast mass, a noticeable skin change, spontaneous nipple discharge, or swelling in the armpit are noticed, specialist evaluation should not be delayed. These findings do not always indicate a serious disease, but it is important to clarify their cause.
Instead of making a personal interpretation, applying to the appropriate department for evaluation helps the process progress properly. It should be remembered that clinical decisions are individualized and that not every finding has the same meaning.
Prof. Dr. Ebru Ayvazoğlu Soy is a physician known for her academic background and surgical experience in the field of general surgery. After graduating from TED Ankara College in 1998, she completed her medical education at Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine in 2005. She completed her residency training in the Department of General Surgery at Başkent University Faculty of Medicine in 2012, obtained the title of Associate Professor in 2019, and became a Professor in 2024. She currently serves as a faculty member in the Department of General Surgery at Ankara Medipol University Faculty of Medicine. With nearly 100 publications in international indexed journals and numerous scientific presentations, Prof. Dr. Ayvazoğlu Soy is a member of the International College of Surgeons, The Transplantation Society, Turkish Surgical Association and the Ankara Surgical Association. In addition to her academic position at Ankara Medipol University, she also sees patients in her private clinic in Çankaya, specializing in general surgery, breast surgery, and endocrine surgery.
