A surgeon is generally the first physician a patient sees following a diagnosis of breast cancer. To ensure the best chance of successful treatment for breast cancer, all cancerous tissue must be removed, usually through surgery. Advances have led to more surgical options in the treatment of breast cancer. All surgical treatments are discussed in consultation with other cancer physicians, and specific treatments are recommended. You and your doctor will decide which surgical treatment is best for you. Our center includes a
s
urgical practice dedicated exclusively to treating patients with breast disease, both cancer and benign conditions.
Radiation therapy is a localized treatment that is sometimes added to surgical management in breast cancer to improve the chances of controlling the disease in the breast, chest wall and surrounding lymph nodes. It is commonly used after lumpectomy to reduce the risk of cancer coming back in the breast. Radiation therapy is also used at times following mastectomy for patients at high risk for local recurrence. If your doctor thinks
radiation therapy
is indicated for you, consultation is arranged with a radiation oncologist to discuss the treatment thoroughly.
As part of your treatment for breast cancer, you will likely discuss chemotherapy with your doctor. This systemic treatment is used under certain circumstances to help lower the chance that breast cancer will return and may be given before or after breast surgery. Every patient’s ideal treatment plan is different. Depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend individualized systemic therapy such as chemotherapy or hormonal therapy.
There are many different kinds of chemotherapy and different treatment schedules. If chemotherapy is indicated for you, your doctor will recommend the specific drug(s) and discuss the schedule and duration of treatment as well as side effects.
Some patients may benefit from reconstructive surgery. Breast reconstruction can be performed using your own tissue or implants. Some patients have the option of reconstruction at the same time as mastectomy, while some are advised to delay reconstruction until other treatments are completed.
