Most patients who undergo a breast biopsy or have breast surgery never get to know a very important member of their health care team-the doctor who gave them their diagnosis–the pathologist.

It’s relatively easy to find out who that person is by simply checking the bottom of your pathology report. Most hospitals nowadays have websites where you can search each of the doctors and find out where they went to school, where they trained, and what their specialty is.  If that doesn’t work, a simple internet search should give you some information on that doctor.

The accuracy of your diagnosis is of utmost importance to any future treatments you may receive.  Many patients will search for a well-known specialist in breast surgery, or breast medical oncology, but not breast pathology–leaving it up to chance that their pathologist has sufficient experience diagnosing breast cancer.

Just some food for thought next time you’re searching the web to find out about your diagnosis and where to go to get a second opinion for your treatment.

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