Breast cancer

Not every woman with breast cancer will experience signs or symptoms, which is why having annual mammograms is so critical. Mammography often identifies breast cancer before any physical symptoms develop, which aids in early detection.

At our hospital, we prioritize the use of 3D mammography, and are the only hospital in the region providing contrast-enhanced mammograms. If an abnormality is identified through a self-exam, clinical exam or screening mammogram, tests will need to be performed to identify if breast cancer is present.

Diagnostic tests we offer include:

Since 2009, our hospital has been accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, a designation that is only awarded to those facilities that provide the highest levels of breast cancer care in the country.

Our cancer center has a multidisciplinary group of providers, including fellowship trained breast surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and a genetic counselor, who meet regularly and specialize in building care plans based on your genetic makeup, tumor location, breast size and other relevant factors.

Treatments we offer include:

• Breast surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Endocrine therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Radiation therapy, including high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy
• Tumor profiling

To learn more about our breast cancer treatments, please call us at (800) 343-3025.

Breast cancer surgery

Surgery is the most common form of breast cancer treatment. Beforehand, your surgical oncologist will work with you to discuss your options based on your cancer, treatment concerns and long-term goals. Types of breast cancer surgery we offer include:

• Breast reconstruction — Surgery performed by a plastic surgeon where the breast is reconstructed to maintain natural appearance
• Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) reconstruction — Builds new breasts by using tissue from the abdomen, while sparing abdominal muscles
• Hidden scar lumpectomy — Majority of breast tissue remains intact and a surgical incision is made either in the crease underneath the breast, armpit or along the edge of the areola
• Hidden scar nipple sparing mastectomy — Breast tissue is removed, but the nipple and skin are left intact
• Implant-based reconstruction — Artificial implants are placed into chest to rebuild breasts
• Lumpectomy — Breast conserving surgery where only the tumor and a small margin of healthy tissue is removed
• Lumpectomy with an oncoplastic closure — Breast reconstruction or lift is performed at the same time the tumor is removed
• Mastectomy — Total breast tissue removal, recommended for women with large tumors, multiple tumors or high hereditary risk
• Nipple sparing mastectomy — Entire contents of the breast are removed, but the skin and nipple remain in place
• Skin sparing mastectomy — Breast tissue and nipple are removed, but breast skin remains intact
• Total mastectomy — Complete removal of the breast tissue, most of the skin and nipple
• Traditional lumpectomy — Removal of only the tumor and a small amount of surrounding healthy tissue
• Transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) reconstruction — Supports larger flaps for reconstructing breasts with a portion of skin, fat and muscle

If you've had a questionable result on a screening mammogram, or have been diagnosed with breast cancer, our primary goal is to support you. Our cancer specialists offer services to treat both your physical and psychosocial needs, including access to: