Diagnosing breast cancer
You may be the first person to discover a breast lump during a self exam. If you find a breast lump, see your doctor or call the Breast Program at 828-213-9990. At other times, a routine mammogram may show something. When this happens, a biopsy is scheduled with a surgeon. A biopsy involves removing some cells from the suspicious area for examination under a microscope. A pathologist looks at the tissue and determines if the cells are malignant. The results of the biopsy determine subsequent treatment.
Women may find themselves in the offices of a surgeon, a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, and a plastic surgeon, all before making a decision about a course of care. While the goal is to make sure each woman thoroughly understands her options, these many appointments can cause confusion and anxiety. Having differing options can add stress.
Advantages of a multidisciplinary approach
The Mission Hospital Breast Program uses a multidisciplinary treatment approach. Once a diagnosis is made and before treatment occurs, the patient's findings are reviewed at a pretreatment conference. Those attending will likely include a surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, pathologist, radiologist, plastic surgeon, genetic counselor, research nurse, nurse navigator, and a nutritionist. A presenting physician begins the patient review and all present discuss their findings.
After the group agrees on a course of treatment, your primary physician reviews the findings with you. A nurse navigator (who attends the pretreatment conference) also works closely with you, providing education and assistance as needed.
Treatment options
Breast cancer treatment begins with a biopsy that confirms whether cancer is present and provides information about future treatment. There are two types of biopsies: a core biopsy and a surgical biopsy. A core biopsy extracts tissues samples from the tumor. A surgical biopsy removes all or part of the lump. In both cases, tissue is sent to a pathologist for examination.
These types of breast surgery may be discussed with you:
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Lumpectomy: the removal of the tumor in the breast with a margin of healthy tissue around it in all directions; also known as "breast conserving" surgery.
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Sentinel node biopsy: one or a few of the lymph nodes in the armpit are removed and sent to pathology to be examined.
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Mastectomy: removal of the breast, nipple, and areola.
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Axillary node dissection: removal of the lymph nodes in the armpit.
Therapy after surgery
Adjuvant therapy is a therapy performed after surgery to aid in treating or preventing the return of breast cancer. This may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and /or hormonal therapy.
Chemotherapy - is a form of systemic treatment that may be recommended. New drugs and better combinations of drugs may mean that side effects are better controlled.
Radiation Therapy - For women undergoing lumpectomy surgery, those with cancer cells present in several lymph nodes, or depending on tumor size, radiation may be recommended.
Hormonal Therapy - Your doctor may recommend medicine that will block estrogen in your body. This is not hormone replacement therapy.
Sometimes women with breast cancer receive chemotherapy or radiation before surgery-this is called neoadjuvant therapy. Mission Hospital also has available Physical Therapy services for cancer patients to help alleviate symptoms, reduce pain or increase strength level.
Nurse navigators continue to help guide patients make informed decisions even after surgery.
Contact & More Information
For more information on the Mission Hospital Breast Program call 828-213-9990.
