Written and medically reviewed by: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD, General SurgeryLast updated:
Breast Disease
Cysts, cancer, diagnosis, genetics, and multidisciplinary care
Imaging + biopsy + tumor biology (ER/PR/HER2) define the real pathway — not fear alone.
Not every breast lump is cancer — but I do not guess when something is new or changing. Triple assessment (exam, imaging, pathology) prevents both missed cancers and unnecessary mastectomy from fear alone. Tumor biology (ER/PR/HER2/Ki-67) shapes chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, and anti-HER2 options. I offer BRCA1/2 testing to newly diagnosed patients ≤65; above 65 the decision is individualized. Neoadjuvant therapy can reshape breast and axillary plans — the first sketch is not always the final map.
Educational schematic. Some structures may be simplified or emphasized for clarity; not an exact anatomical depiction.
© Cengiz Dibekoğlu — illustrative; not for unauthorized use
Figure summary
- Hero figure: breast anatomy and disease overview for education.
- Related figures support benign disease, cancer work-up, and surgical pathway concepts.
Educational figures
Tap a figure to enlarge. These English illustrations mirror the Turkish hub gallery for this condition.
Diagnosis Educational schematic. Some structures may be simplified or emphasized for clarity; not an exact anatomical depiction.
© Cengiz Dibekoğlu — illustrative; not for unauthorized use
Cancer Educational schematic. Some structures may be simplified or emphasized for clarity; not an exact anatomical depiction.
© Cengiz Dibekoğlu — illustrative; not for unauthorized use
Treatment Educational schematic. Some structures may be simplified or emphasized for clarity; not an exact anatomical depiction.
© Cengiz Dibekoğlu — illustrative; not for unauthorized use
Multidisciplinary Educational schematic. Some structures may be simplified or emphasized for clarity; not an exact anatomical depiction.
© Cengiz Dibekoğlu — illustrative; not for unauthorized use
Triple assessment
Exam, imaging, and pathology together.
Biology matters
ER/PR/HER2/Ki-67 shape systemic therapy.
Genetics
BRCA offers follow age and risk features.
Tumor board
Oncology partners guide multimodal care.
What to know
- Key note inside
Genetic testing frame
Newly diagnosed patients ≤65 are generally offered BRCA1/2 testing; above 65, testing is individualized (e.g., triple-negative, male breast cancer, bilateral disease, strong family history).
Not every lump is cancer
Cysts and fibroadenomas are common — characterization prevents overtreatment while still catching malignancy.
Surgery is not a slogan
Breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy are chosen by tumor size, biology, genetics, reconstruction wishes, and oncologic margins — not by “safer equals more tissue removed.”
Neoadjuvant can redraw the map
After systemic therapy, breast and axillary plans are reassessed. The initial recommendation is a starting point, not a locked vow.
Multidisciplinary care
Surgery, medical oncology, radiation, genetics, and reconstruction share decisions so sequencing serves the whole pathway.
What happens next
Simple cysts, fibroadenoma, and when biopsy is discussed
- 1
Breast Cysts and Benign Lesions
Simple cysts, fibroadenoma, and when biopsy is discussed
Read this chapter - 2
Breast Disease Diagnosis
How clinicians confirm the problem and stage the next steps
Read this chapter - 3
Breast Cancer
Cancer — explained for shared decision-making
Read this chapter - 4
Breast Cancer Treatment
How treatment options are matched to risk, stage, and goals
Read this chapter - 5
Multidisciplinary Breast Care
Multidisciplinary — explained for shared decision-making
Read this chapter - 6
Screening and Follow-Up
Age bands, high-risk MRI, and surveillance after treatment
Read this chapter
Evidence
Scientific sources
Show sources · 3Selected guidelines for breast cancer surgery, systemic options, and germline testing frameworks.
Evidence
Scientific sources
- 1. Early breast cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-upESMO · 2024 · DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2023.11.016Open source →
- 2. NCCN Guidelines — Breast CancerNCCN · Current versionOpen source →
- 3. ASCO–SSO germline testing in patients with breast cancer (guideline framework)American Society of Clinical Oncology / Society of Surgical Oncology · 2024 frameworkOpen source →
Last reviewed: 21 August 2026. Links go to publisher pages.
Appointment / info
Bring mammogram/ultrasound/MRI CDs and pathology — biology and imaging decide more than fear alone.
This page is for education. It is not medical advice and does not replace a visit with your physician.
Medical editor: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD · English patient-education hub.