The 20 Best Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Doctors near Athens, GA

What is the definition of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a subtype of breast cancer, is a rare, malignant breast disease that lacks receptors for the hormones estrogen and progesterone and the human epidermal growth factor (HER2) protein usually found in other breast cancers. An aggressive cancer, triple-negative breast cancer grows and spreads more quickly than other types of invasive breast cancer. Triple-negative breast cancer is also more likely to reoccur and has a worse outcome (prognosis) than other breast cancers. Triple-negative breast cancer accounts for 10-15% of all breast cancers and is more common in women under the age of 40 who are African American or Hispanic, and who carry the BRCA1 gene mutation. Seventy percent of breast cancers in individuals with a BRCA gene mutation are triple-negative. Triple-negative breast cancer is classified in the following stages: Stage 0 – Ductal cancer in situ (DCIS), which is a non-invasive breast cancer. The cancer cells are still located in a breast duct and have not spread. Stage 1A – The breast cancer tumor is 2 centimeters or smaller and has not spread. Stage 1B – The tumor is 2 centimeters or smaller (or undetectable) with microscopic spread (micrometastases) into one-to-three axillary (underarm) lymph nodes. The metastasis is more than .2 millimeters but less than 2 millimeters and has not spread to other parts of the body. Stage IIA – One of the following has occurred, and the cancer has not spread beyond the lymph nodes: 1) The tumor is 2 centimeters (or undetectable) and has spread to one-to-three axillary (underarm) lymph nodes, with the cancer in the lymph nodes greater than 2 millimeters; 2) the tumor is 2 centimeters or smaller (or undetectable) and microscopic cancer is found in the internal mammary (breast) lymph nodes; 3) the tumor is 2 centimeters or smaller (or undetectable) and has spread to one-to-three axillary (underarm) lymph nodes and the internal mammary (breast) lymph nodes; or 4) the tumor is greater than 2 centimeters but less than 5 centimeters, but has not spread to lymph nodes. Stage IIB – One of the following has occurred, and the cancer has not spread beyond the lymph nodes: 1) the tumor is larger than 2 centimeters but less than 5 centimeters and has spread to one-to-three axillary (underarm) lymph nodes, and microscopic cancer is found in the internal mammary (breast) lymph nodes; or 2) the tumor is larger than 5 centimeters but has not invaded the chest wall or skin. Stage IIIA – One of the following has occurred, and the cancer has not spread beyond the lymph nodes: 1) the tumor is less than 5 centimeters (or undetectable) and has spread to four-to-nine axillary (underarm) lymph nodes; or 2) the tumor is greater than 5 centimeters, has not invaded the chest wall or skin, but has spread to one-to-nine axillary (underarm) lymph nodes or internal mammary (breast) nodes. Stage IIIB – The tumor has invaded the chest wall or skin, but hasn’t spread to other parts of the body, and one of the following has occurred: 1) the tumor has not spread to the lymph nodes; 2) the tumor has spread to one-to-three axillary (underarm) lymph nodes, and microscopic cancer has spread to the internal mammary (breast) nodes; or 3) the tumor has spread to four-to-nine axillary (underarm) lymph nodes, or it has caused swelling in the internal mammary (breast) nodes. Stage IIIC – The tumor is any size (or undetectable), had not spread beyond the lymph nodes, and one of the following has occurred: 1) the cancer has spread to 10 or more axillary (underarm) nodes; 2) the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes under the clavicle (collar bone); the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes above the collarbone; 3) the cancer has spread to axillary (underarm) lymph nodes; or 4) the cancer has spread to four or more axillary (underarm) lymph nodes, and microscopic cancer is found in internal mammary (breast) lymph nodes. Stage IV – The cancer is any size and may or may not have spread to close lymph nodes, but it has spread to organs such as the liver, lung, brain, or bones, or other distant lymph nodes.

When should I see a Triple-Negative Breast Cancer doctor near Athens, GA?

There are various reasons why you may want to see a specialist, such as:

Your primary care provider recommends it.

Your condition requires expert knowledge and specialized care.

Your symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment.

You need specialized testing or procedures.

You want a second opinion.

What should I consider when choosing a Triple-Negative Breast Cancer doctor near Athens, GA?

It’s important to see a provider with expertise in your specific condition. Each provider profile in MediFind’s doctor database includes information on which conditions they treat, years of experience, research contributions, languages spoken, insurance plans accepted, and more.

How do I find the best Triple-Negative Breast Cancer doctor near Athens, GA?

You can find a Triple-Negative Breast Cancer doctor in any of the 10 largest U.S. cities by clicking below:

How does MediFind rank Triple-Negative Breast Cancer doctors near Athens, GA?

MediFind’s rankings are based on a variety of data sources, such as the number of articles a doctor has published in medical journals, participation in clinical trials and industry conferences, as well as the number of patients that provider sees for a given condition. Note that MediFind’s provider database is not based on user reviews, and providers do not pay to be included in the database.

What types of insurance are accepted by Triple-Negative Breast Cancer doctors near Athens, GA?

Most profiles in MediFind’s doctor database include a list of insurance plans accepted by that provider. However, it’s a good idea to contact the provider’s office to make sure they still accept your insurance, then doublecheck by contacting your insurance plan to confirm they’re in network.

How can I book an appointment online with a Triple-Negative Breast Cancer doctor near Athens, GA?

MediFind offers direct scheduling for certain providers using the “Request Appointment” button on that provider’s profile. If the schedule option is not available for a provider, tap the red “Show Phone Number” button on their profile to get their contact information. If you prefer to find providers who offer online scheduling, select “Schedules online” under the “Availability” category of the filter feature on the left side of the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer doctor search results page.

Why is it important to get a second opinion from a different Triple-Negative Breast Cancer doctor?

Second opinions are an opportunity to confirm a diagnosis and its root cause, learn about alternative treatment options, or simply gain peace of mind. Many people, especially those with serious diagnoses, get second opinions so they can understand all their options and make informed decisions, so don’t hesitate to get one if you have any doubts or need more information or clarification regarding your care. Note that some insurance plans require second opinions, while others don’t cover second opinions, so be sure to confirm with your insurance provider first.

How can I prepare for my appointment with a Triple-Negative Breast Cancer doctor near Athens, GA?

Prepare for your appointment by gathering the following items:

Copies of medical records (dating back at least one year)

Your medical history, including illnesses, medical conditions, surgeries, and other doctors you see

Family history of disease

List of current prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies or supplements including names and doses

Allergies to medications, food, latex, insects, etc.

List of questions and concerns

Your insurance card

You might also contact the provider’s office to see if they offer transportation or childcare services or if you’re allowed to bring a loved one for support or to take notes during your visit.

What questions should I ask my Triple-Negative Breast Cancer doctor?

Here are some sample questions:

Can you explain in simple terms what this condition is and how it’s treated?

What symptoms or side effects should I watch for?

What tests will be involved, and when can I expect results?

Are there other specialists I need to see?

What’s the best way to reach you if I have follow-up questions?

How can I learn about the latest clinical trials and research advances my Triple-Negative Breast Cancer doctor may know about?

MediFind’s Clinical Trials tool asks you a series of questions to help you narrow down your search by health condition, age, gender, location, how far you’re willing to travel, and more. Each question you answer filters down the number of trials until you find the ones that are most relevant to you.

MediFind’s Latest Advances tool features summaries of recent articles published in medical journals. We use cutting-edge technology to scour medical publication databases for the latest research advancements on any given condition, then we simplify this information in a way that’s useful and easy to understand.

Can I filter my search to show male or female Triple-Negative Breast Cancer doctors near Athens, GA?

Look for the filter feature on the left side of the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer doctor search results page. Select “Female” or “Male” under the “Gender” category to search for female or male providers exclusively. If the “Any” option is selected, it will pull results for both male and female providers.

Can I filter my search to find a Triple-Negative Breast Cancer doctor that offers video calls?

Look for the filter feature on the left-side of the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer doctor search results page. Select “Offers telehealth visits” under the Availability category to search for providers who offer virtual appointments (video calls).

Reviewed on: 11/11/24

By: MediFind Medical Staff