Breast Care: I Would Like a Second Opinion

The Breast Cancer Second Opinion Tumor Board is a second opinion service offered at the Breast Care Center for individuals with a cancer diagnosis. This service offers an integrated approach to incorporate a woman's values into the scientific decision-making process.

Other Programs

Educational Materials

At the UCSF Carol Franc Buck Breast Care Center, we hope to provide you with information and support that will enable you to experiment and to explore ways of feeling better that best match you and your needs.

Below, you will find links to some of the educational information that is applicable for individuals interested in a second opinion. In addition, further information can be gathered at our Patient and Family Cancer Support Center or by talking with your doctor.

Diagnosis
Imaging:
- Mammography
- Ultrasound
- Magnetic Resonance Imagery
Biopsy
- Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy
- Stereotactic Core Biopsy
- Surgical Biopsy
- Wire Localization Biopsy
- Treatment Options:
- Surgical Procedures
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Hormonal Therapy

Breast Cancer Self-Care and Recovery:

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are formal, controlled protocols designed to test the effectiveness of new treatments, including novel drugs, types of intervention or combinations of therapy. If you are interested in obtaining more information on specific breast cancer clinical trials available at UCSF, please visit the clinical trial section on the UCSF Breast Care Center website. You also can visit the National Cancer Institute's CancerNet, where you will find access to PDQ, the NCI-sponsored database of clinical trials nationwide.

Note: The clinical protocols listed here are presented as an educational service to doctors and patients; they should not be interpreted as providing medical advice nor be used for the diagnosis or treatment of cancer or any other health problem. Enrollment is based on satisfying eligibility criteria; final determination for inclusion in a study is made solely at the discretion of the principal investigator.

Diagram for Second Opinion

Different services and information are needed at different points in the wide spectrum of breast health care and breast cancer treatment. We have created the following map to serve as an example of a general path of diagnoses and/or treatment in order to help you to better understand your own individual experience.

View Diagram for Second Opinion

While there are common pathways to screening, diagnosis and treatment within breast care and breast cancer, you must be aware that your individual path may differ from that presented on our web site. It is important to discuss the details of your individual story with your doctor.

Navigating Your Path to Breast Care:

UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.

Recommended reading

Basic Facts About Breast Health

Learn basic facts about breast structure and function and how to differentiate between the different types and stages of breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Glossary

Check out our comprehensive Glossary of Breast Cancer terminology, which includes definitions of everything from AC chemotherapy to peripheral neuropathy.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Click now to find a summary of the factors that increase risk for developing breast cancer, including both factors that we cannot change and those we can.

Self-Care and Recovery

Self-Care and recovery resources including an Introduction to Lifestyle Change, Nutrition and Breast Cancer, Hydration: Water and Health, Meditation and more.

Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction, surgery to rebuild a breast's shape, is often an option after mastectomy and is covered by some health insurance plans. Learn more now.

Follow-Up Care for Breast Cancer Patients

After patients have completed treatment for early stage breast cancer, one of the common questions is, "How should I best be monitored?" Learn more here.

Mastectomy: Instructions Before Surgery

The following information will help you prepare for your upcoming Mastectomy surgery. If you have any questions, please contact the Breast Care Center staff.

Mastectomy: Instructions After Surgery

Post Mastectomy surgery instructions including, pain management, incision and dressing care, activity, diet, follow-up care and more.

Menopause and Breast Cancer

Breast cancer treatment often causes women to enter menopause prematurely. Although each woman reacts to therapy individually, certain side effects are common.

Metastatic Breast Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment

Metastatic breast cancer is cancer that originated in the breast and has spread to other organ systems in the body. Learn more here.

Navigating Your Path to Breast Care

Different services and information are needed at different points in breast health care and breast cancer treatment. Learn more here.

Osteoporosis and Breast Cancer

Women who have had breast cancer or are considered at high risk for developing breast cancer are at risk for developing osteoporosis. Learn more.

Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer

The UCSF Carol Franc Buck Breast Care Center and the Department of Radiation Oncology have compiled information about radiation therapy for your convenience.

Taking Charge

Knowledge may lead you to take action to protect your health and that of other women you care about: your mother, daughters, relatives and friends. Learn more.

Related clinics

Breast Care Center

Berkeley Outpatient Center

3100 San Pablo Ave., Suite 280
Berkeley, CA 94702

(415) 353-7070