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Aurora Breast Center - our services
 Great
strides are being made in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer,
and the Aurora Breast Center at The Women’s Center within Aurora BayCare Medical
Center are helping to lead 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, a
board-certified gynecologic surgeon, nurse practitioner, medical and radiation
oncologists, four radiologists that are dedicated to reading results for the
breast center a certified breast coordinator and other skilled staff members.
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.
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
Breast biopsy -- After imaging, the decision may be made to confirm
suspected breast disease with a tissue biopsy. 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.
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
center. This 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.
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.
Our physicians
Contact information
Aurora Breast Center at The Women’s Center within Aurora BayCare Medical
Center. To make an appointment or for more information please call (920)
288-8480.
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