A Comprehensive Breast Center

Woman. She is our mother, wife, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend. She cares for us, nurtures us, and comforts us. She is special in her being; delicate, yet powerful. She also has a lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Thankfully, she has a greater chance than ever before of being cured with early detection and treatment. At PrimeImaging, we acknowledge that the women in our lives are precious. That’s why they are at the center of what we do.

The diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with breast cancer presents unique challenges and often require a multimodality approach. Healthcare providers around the world are responding and teaming together to form comprehensive breast centers, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with breast cancers as well as support and education of patients and their families.

The heart of the comprehensive breast center is dedicated to the detection of breast cancer. Screening and diagnostic mammography, dedicated breast ultrasound, and MRI are tools used to look for breast cancer. They often detect findings before they are evident to the patient or their healthcare provider. These centers aim to provide these services in a caring, safe, and comfortable environment. Breast biopsy, if necessary, is available and can be performed with pin-point precision using local anesthesia.

A team of physicians, including radiologists, medical and radiation oncologists, pathologists, and surgeons, focus on early detection, diagnosis and treatment, often all under one roof. This interdisciplinary team works together weekly to prospectively assess each patient’s diagnosis, develop a treatment plan, and monitor their outcome. This team approach means that you benefit from an enormous amount of combined experience and expertise in planning and evaluating your treatment and management of breast cancer.

Treatment of breast cancer is based on the size and location of the tumor, laboratory test results, and stage of the disease. Patients diagnosed with cancer have access to a full range of treatment options.

Together, you and your team of physicians will decide on the most effective plan for your needs.

That plan often includes a multistage approach that combines different treatments like: 

* Lumpectomy - removal of the lump and some surrounding tissue

* Mastectomy - removal of the breast

* Radiation and chemotherapy - targeted radiation and chemical treatments 

You can feel confident that your comprehensive breast care team will work to provide the kind of care your loved one deserves.

____________________

John F. Nelson, M.D., "What is a Comprehensive Breast Center?" Woman's Way, April 2006.