- Primary Care
- Cancer CareAdvances in medical science and technology have also enhanced cancer care, especially in breast cancer. In the past, when breast abnormalities were diagnosed, most women underwent a surgical biopsy. Since eight out of ten biopsies prove to be benign, using less invasive methods for diagnosis lessens recovery time for most patients. Today, a number of diagnostic options exist to differentiate benign from malignant breast problems and our surgeons employ a range of these options in the treatment of breast cancer patients. Some patients are candidates for ultrasound-guided needle breast biopsy that can be done in our office or as an outpatient. Another needle biopsy technique is called the stereotactic breast biopsy. This outpatient procedure utilizes computerized mammographic X-rays to locate the exact location of a breast mass. After administering a local anesthetic, the surgeon uses a hollow biopsy needle to obtain tissue samples. The samples are then analyzed by a pathologist with results available usually within 24 hours.
- Anxiety
- UltrasoundThe role of a biopsy first and foremost should be to accurately establish a diagnosis. This most often can be done with a needle biopsy. On occasion, an area of abnormality needs to be removed with a surgical biopsy. Minimally invasive biopsies are usually needle biopsies and usually are our method of choice to establish a diagnosis. We prefer needle core biopsies as opposed to needle aspirations as they provide more tissue and thus a more accurate diagnosis. Most often, a needle biopsy is done with either ultrasound or mammographic guidance under local anesthesia.
- X-Rays
- ChemotherapyThe presence or absence of cancer spread to axillary (armpit) lymph nodes remains one of the most important predictors of breast cancer recurrence and, thus often determines if further treatment (chemotherapy or hormonal therapy) will be required. A new technique called the sentinel node biopsy can now help doctors know whether the cancer has spread without the surgical removal of all the underarm tissue (axillary nodes). This new procedure allows discovery of the lymph node most likely to contain cancer cells. This single node is removed and examined for cancer. The sentinel node biopsy technique improves the accuracy of detecting cancer spread to the lymph nodes and lessens the amount of tissue removed.
- Radiation TherapyBreast conversation therapy traditionally has required the use of radiation therapy to the entire breast. This usually requires six to seven weeks of treatment. Recently, new technology (Mammosite catheter placement) has been made available so that only a portion of the breast tissue around the cancer site is radiated. Thus far, studies have shown this method to be just as effective as whole breast radiation therapy in controlling cancer. Aside from less tissue being radiated, the time commitment is much less with partial breast radiation therapy. The therapy is now completed in five days with this new technique. Our group has experienced few, if any, complications with the Mammosite catheter.
- General SurgeryFor over 40 years, we have been committed to providing quality care as a full-service general surgery practice. Areas of care that include...
- Minimally Invasive SurgeryOur general surgeons are proficient in laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic surgery, also known as minimally invasive surgery, utilizes a laparoscope which is a thin instrument that comprises of a specialized fiber-optic camera and light source. The laparoscope and small instruments are inserted through a very small incision (.05 to 1 cm) to perform the surgery. Images seen by the specialized camera can be projected onto a video monitor, giving the surgeon a clear view inside the surgical site.
- Breast SurgeryShould cancer be detected with breast biopsy, further surgical intervention may be required. Many patients no longer require a mastectomy (breast removal) for the treatment of breast cancer. However, when appropriate, working with plastic surgeons, we are able to offer reconstructive breast surgery at the time of the mastectomy, often using the patient's own tissue in the reconstruction process. Using smaller incisions (skin sparing mastectomy), we can optimize the cosmetic appearance without compromising the treatment result.
- Laparoscopic SurgerySmaller incisions, less pain, minimal scaring, a shorter hospital stay and a quicker recovery time are just a few of the benefits of laparoscopic surgery.