Comprehensive Breast Health Center
-- Aurora Sinai Medical Center
Great strides are being made in the early detection and treatment of
breast cancer, and the Comprehensive Breast Health Centers at Aurora Health
Center - Fox Point and at Aurora Sinai are leading the way. From maintaining
breast health to treating breast disease, the Center's services meet the
unique needs of each woman.
We understand the sensitive and significant nature of breast health. We
provide you with all the information you need to make the best decisions
possible after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Our services include a broad range of traditional and advanced options.
While treating breast disease is our primary concern, we never forget the
emotional effects it has on you and your family.
Personalized care
We utilize a team approach to achieve the most individualized plan of
care for your condition. Our team includes a fellowship-trained breast
surgeon, oncology nurse practitioner, oncologists, plastic surgeons,
radiologists and pathologists using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to
provide the best care possible. Our team also serves as your access point to
advanced research protocols.
Personal Breast Care Coordinators
While you may have a team of experts caring for you, we understand the
sensitive and complex nature of breast health and disease. Many women feel
overwhelmed with the decisions that must be made after a breast cancer
diagnosis. That's why we support our patients by providing a personal Breast
Care Coordinator, a registered nurse specially trained in the area of breast
cancer. The Coordinator provides support every step of the way by acting as
an advocate and educator. She also helps to coordinate patient care and
ensure that all concerns are thoroughly addressed.
We also have fellowship-trained radiologists in women's imaging.
Advanced diagnostics
Breast Imaging -- Imaging is an important component used to
diagnose breast cancer and to evaluate the stage and extent of breast
disease. Three major types of imaging are used at the Comprehensive Breast
Health Center:
- Mammography
- Ultrasonography
- Breast MRI
Two different radiologists review and interpret each imaging study as
part of our stringent quality control process. And the results are made
available to you immediately after the review. PET/CT may also be utilized
to determine the extent of where cancer has spread.
Breast biopsy -- After imaging, the decision may be made to
confirm suspected breast disease with a tissue biopsy. Oftentimes the biopsy
is performed on the same day as the imaging study. During a biopsy, a
radiologist or surgeon samples a portion or all of the suspicious tissue as
well as the lymph nodes. A pathologist examines the tissue sample for cancer
cells and makes the final diagnosis.
Breast MRI -- MRI can be used to screen women with a hereditary
risk of developing breast cancer, evaluate indeterminate mammograms or for
women who have dense breasts or scar tissue in which a mammogram may be
unclear. Breast MRI is also helpful in determining the extent, size and
distribution of newly diagnosed breast cancer, as well as in predicting the
presence of cancer in the appropriate breast before definitive surgery.
High risk services
If you are at an elevated risk for breast cancer, you do not have to face
this frightening prospect alone. Discovering that you are at risk does not
necessarily mean cancer is the inevitable outcome. There are things you can
do now to decrease your risk.
Our High Risk Clinic provides individualized comprehensive care with a
genetic counselor and breast surgeon. High-risk assessment options include
genetic testing, ductal lavage, ductoscopy and prophylactic surgery.
Genetic testing -- Research has shown that some women have a
hereditary predisposition to cancer, which can be passed from generation to
generation. In recent years, several of these hereditary genes have been
identified. We offer counseling and testing for those women who are at high
risk to determine if there is a mutation in these genes.
Ductoscopy -- Ductoscopy is offered when women present with
abnormal nipple discharge. It involves the insertion of a very small video
scope to actually look inside a woman's breast duct. If an abnormality is
confirmed, the duct can be surgically removed. The procedure also helps
direct and determine the amount of diseased tissue that must be removed
during biopsy.
Medical treatment of breast cancer
Surgical options
Surgery is the cornerstone of breast cancer management. Some women may
have a lumpectomy/partial mastectomy, which removes only the diseased tissue
and a safe margin of tissue surrounding the tumor. Other women may need to
have a total mastectomy.
But before surgery, our surgeons determine the invasiveness of the breast
cancer by sampling the lymph nodes. Because the lymph nodes are under the
armpit and near the breast, the spread of cancer can be detected by
examining them. Until recently, the standard procedure was to remove all of
the lymph nodes. However, this procedure often resulted in a painful
swelling of the arm called lymphedema.
A standard procedure called Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy is performed at
the Comprehensive Breast Health Center. This procedure involves the removal
of the first lymph node(s) — called the sentinel node(s) — which is
typically the first node(s) into which cancer spreads. Research has shown
that if this node is disease-free, then the remaining nodes should be free
of cancer as well. This information is invaluable when determining the best
course of treatment.
Medical & radiation oncology/Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic
Often a combination of treatments is recommended. Surgery and radiation
therapy are considered local treatments since they are used to remove cancer
cells in a specific area. Chemotherapy and anti-estrogen therapy destroy
cancer cells that may have migrated beyond the original site. Some
treatments may be given before surgery and others may continue for several
months after surgery.
Breast reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is an option for women undergoing surgical
treatment for breast cancer. Breast reconstruction can be performed
immediately after the mastectomy or at a later date. There are many options
for women, from breast implants to a more complex flap procedure that
utilizes the patient's own tissue to reconstruct a very natural looking
breast. A consultation with a reconstruction surgeon will help to determine
the best choice of options.
The Cancer Rehabilitation Center
Specialists in cancer rehabilitation help to relieve the symptoms of
cancer and plastic surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. If you are having
breast surgery, our licensed physical and occupational therapists will meet
with you prior to surgery to provide education and exercises that will speed
recovery surgery. After surgery, the cancer rehabilitation specialists will
use special techniques and extensive education to relieve the symptoms of
lymphedema (swelling), fatigue and pain, and will teach you to become
independent at managing these symptoms. Our experts design individual
programs to restore patients' flexibility, strength, endurance and function.
Through comprehensive examination and rehabilitation post-treatment, our
cancer rehabilitation specialists will help you to safely resume daily
activities, both at home and at work.
Beyond medical treatment
Medical treatment is only one aspect of treating breast disease. Having a
support system to help you cope with your illness and provide you and your
family with emotional support is invaluable.
Follow-up & support
Life goes on after breast cancer treatment. We provide the same level of
support after treatment as we do during your treatment. Your physicians and
breast care coordinator are available to assist with any problems. Regular
follow-up appointments will be scheduled and various tests will be performed
to assure that there has not been a recurrence of your cancer.
Decision support
We have a resource center on-site to help you learn about breast health
and disease, diagnostic procedures and treatment options. There is also
computer access to the National Cancer Institute which provides a wealth of
information about cancer and clinical research.
Vince Lombardi Cancer counseling services
Cancer counseling services offered through the Cancer Counseling Center
at Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center are available in an individual, family
or group setting. Some of the programs available at the Cancer Counseling
Center include:
- Individual, family and group counseling -- Our psychiatrists and
nurse practitioners are trained in psycho-oncology, a medical specialty
that focuses on the behavioral issues patients and their families face
- Educational and support materials -- We offer a wealth of
information in pamphlets, videos and audio tapes dealing with subjects
from how to manage stress to forming healthy new habits
- Support groups -- Group members find understanding and information
by talking with others facing the same issues
- Nutrition counseling -- Patients learn to maximize their nutrients
and make wise choices to get the most out of the food they eat
- Spiritual care -- Chaplains from a wide variety of denominations are
available to listen and explore answers to faith-related questions
- Expressive therapy -- Art, pet and music therapy can help
individuals explore, confront and deal with their emotions about their
diagnosis, treatment and future
- Complementary services -- While fighting cancer is a medical
process, we emphasize a patient-focused approach to treatment. We offer
relaxation techniques, acupuncture and other complementary medicine to
help combat the unpleasant symptoms of cancer
If you have a breast health concern or are diagnosed with cancer, our
goal is for you to feel confident that you have made well-informed decisions
about your care.
Contact information
- Comprehensive Breast Health Center
(414) 351-7323
- Breast Care Coordinators
(414) 219-7360
- Breast imaging
(414) 219-7360
- Genetic counseling
(414) 351-7323
- Cancer Rehabilitation Centers:
- Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center
(414) 649-7946
- Aurora Sinai Medical Center
(414)-219-5241
- Cancer Counseling Center
(414) 351-7323
- Vince Lombardi Cancer Hotline
(800) 252-2990
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