|
|
||||
 | ||||
|
|
Breast cancer treatmentAuroras Comprehensive Breast Care Centers offer patients a wide range of state-of-the-art treatment options. Multidisciplinary case reviewThe patient's case is presented before a team of experts comprised of surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, medical oncologists, plastic surgeons, a psychiatrist, pharmacists, nurses and mammogram technologists. These experts work together to determine the best course of treatment. SurgeryWe offer physicians who specialize in breast surgery. The extent of surgical intervention is determined by the extent of the cancer's spread. Many women with early stage breast cancer still choose to have a mastectomy (breast removal), but a growing number are opting for a less radical approach to treatment without compromising their chances for long-term survival. Some women may have a lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, where only the diseased tissue and a safe margin of surrounding tissue are removed. This approach, called breast conservation therapy (BCT), is followed by radiation therapy to reduce the likelihood of the cancer growing back. Breast conservation therapy allows a woman to save her breast with a long-term survival rate similar to that of mastectomy. RadiationRadiation therapy is a sophisticated and effective way to treat breast cancer. Through the use of highly advanced technology and innovative treatment techniques, radiation is used to destroy many types of cancer cells or to prevent the diseased cells from growing. Our cancer center has been a member of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) as an affiliate of Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center since 1993. MammoSite™ Balloon Seed Radiation Therapy System Applying radiation to the cavity remaining after a breast tumor has been removed helps destroy any remaining cancer cells and prevent new and recurrent tumors. Mammosite is a minimally invasive alternative to external beam radiation and may cause skin irritation and other side effects. Mammosite more closely targets only the area that needs radiation treatment. During surgery to remove the breast tumor, a small hollow tube is placed in the tumor cavity leading to the surface of the skin. Later, a tiny balloon is inflated via the catheter tube and a radioactive “seed” is inserted into the balloon. After treatments are completed, the catheter and balloon are permanently removed. Patient benefits include:
[ Learn more -- PDF file ] Chemotherapy and hormonal therapyThese treatments are typically used to destroy cancer cells that have migrated beyond the original site. Some treatments are given before surgery and some may continue for several months after surgery. |
||
 |
||||
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
