If a physician or specialized doctor suspects a patient has cancer, they will refer them to a pathology service to confirm the condition. The pathologist is responsible for determining whether the condition is malignant or benign, and their diagnosis can be life-saving. Aside from the initial diagnosis, the pathologist is also responsible for further steps in treating cancer. Here's a closer look at the process.

How Breast Cancer Is Detected During Pathology

During an appointment in which a doctor suspects breast cancer, they will collect a tissue sample. This sample is then sent to a pathology service, where the tissue is processed and ultimately evaluated under a microscope. 

A pathologist determines several vital pieces of information, such as the type of cancer, its likelihood of spreading, and what stage it is in. They compile this information into a pathology report, which is then sent back to the referring physician. 

Why Breast Pathology Results Are Important 

The results found by pathology services are vital to providing the proper course of cancer treatment. These results will determine which treatment will be most effective, therefore ensuring the highest rate of survival. 

For example, if a pathologist finds that breast cancer is stimulated by hormones, doctors will prescribe hormone blockers or inhibitors. However, if the cancer spreads without the influence of hormones, this treatment will be skipped, as it will likely be ineffective.

When to Get a Second Opinion

Some breast cancer patients opt to get a second opinion from a pathology service. Most of the time, this second opinion matches the original diagnosis. However, it's possible for the second pathology report to bring up different or conflicting results. 

A second opinion is often recommended before starting extreme treatment, such as chemotherapy, or undergoing life-changing surgery, such as a mastectomy. Though the original treatment decision was made with serious deliberation and is unlikely to be incorrect, the gravity of the situation causes many patients to seek confirmation before beginning the journey to wellness.

If you're looking for pathology services in Loveland, CO, visit Summit Pathology. This independently owned laboratory is run by 17 board-certified pathologists, and the location is under contract with 17 hospitals throughout Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska. The facility is also accredited by the College of American Pathology and registered with the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments. Visit their service page on their website to learn more about their services, or call (970) 212-0530 to speak with a team member.