Covenant Health

What is breast cancer?

The breast is primarily composed of two units: labials that make milk and ducts that carry that milk out. These units are lined by cells which can turn cancerous. When cancerous cells form and stay inside the duct, we commonly refer to it as Ductal Carcinoma In-Situ (DCIS). More often, cancerous cells learn how to escape the duct and invade the breast.

What is the best treatment plan for breast cancer?

Treatment plans will vary by patient but most often consist of the following steps: 1. Presentation of your case before a Breast Tumor Board (a multi-disciplinary team who will come up with the best treatment plan to optimize your outcome) 2. Surgery 3. A return to Breast Tumor Board for finalization of treatment plan 4. Chemotherapy 5. Radiation or reconstruction 6. Anti-estrogen pill

What is the surgical treatment for breast cancer?

There are two ways to treat breast cancer. The first way is to excise the cancer with a rim of healthy tissue around it by performing a lumpectomy. Following this, we add radiation therapy to reduce the risk of a local recurrence. The other option is to remove the whole breast by performing a mastectomy. Many women who choose a mastectomy will elect to have reconstruction.

What are the qualities to look for in a breast surgeon?

Choosing a breast surgeon you trust is of utmost importance.