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The field of oncology has not traditionally been very effective in supporting patients throughout and after their cancer journey.  At Comprehensive Breast Care we are trying to address this shortcoming.  From lotions and creams to address radiation side effects to trained therapists to help patients deal with their diagnosis, we have created a ‘shopping page‘ […]

It is quite common to be nervous the day of your office visit. Preparing ahead, may ease the level of anxiety.

Prevention of cancer and other illnesses allows patients to feel in control. While most cancers occur sporadically, meaning beyond our control, leading a healthy lifestyle and learning about good health habits, affords patients the power of actively participating in their own cancer prevention.

Mammography is the standard method of breast cancer screening. Lately, there has been quite a bit of controversy, as to the timing and frequency of screening mammography. What is right for you?

All breast imaging requires the use of a scoring system (BI-RADS) to standardize the interpretation. What is this ‘number’ and what does it mean?

When diagnosed with breast cancer, understandably the first reaction is: get the cancer out. There are times, however, when initiating systemic therapy (chemotherapy or endocrine therapy) may actually be a more appropriate initial treatment. It is very important to know the options. Neoadjuvant therapy may be best.

  It is very important to understand your pathology report; even when the results are benign.  Upstaging occurs when a needle biopsy underestimates the presence of a cancer.  Surgical excision may be necessary to further evaluate a finding on breast imaging.

The discussion of breast cancer is multidisciplinary. The focus of treatment options and, insight into many aspects of breast cancer treatment is paramount to making informed decisions. These treatments may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal blockade, and, genetic testing. Invasive cancers, are cancers{abnormal cells} that can spread to lymph nodes or other organs.  These […]

      After a lumpectomy breast radiation reduced the risk of local recurrence.  Radiation effectively ‘cleans up’ any remaining cancer cells left in/around the lumpectomy cavity.  Adjacent normal cells are better able to repair the damage caused by radiation than are cancer cells.  Essentially, radiation is therapeutic doses of xray beams designed to kill […]

Does radiation therapy, following lumpectomy, always require a 6 week course of treatment? Perhaps not …

The performance of mastectomy in general has recently undergone significant scrutiny.  There is simply no survival advantage offered by mastectomy over breast conservation.  Therefore, removing a contralateral unaffected breast will have no clinical benefit.

After local anesthesia and using ultrasound (sonographic) imaging, a small probe (thin hollow needle) is guided into the fibroadenoma. Extremely cold temperatures are used to destroy (ablate) the fibroadenoma. Cryoablation is comfortable and painless, as the cold acts with the local anesthesia to numb the area. Cryoablation usually takes about 5-15 minutes. No sutures are […]

What are some of the terms that will be discussed? What are the expectations for that day? What should I expect when discharged? What should be done if there is a problem post operatively?   “Hope is wishing something would happen. Faith is believing something will happen. Courage is making something happen.”

Returning to normal physical activity, following surgery, is an important component of recovery. Most patients do NOT need physical therapy, but, with a little instruction, recovery nicely on their own.