Minimally invasive breast biopsies, breast-conserving surgeries and radiation therapies that lessen exposure to normal tissue mean less discomfort and faster healing.

One advancement in treatment is the MammoSite^TM Radiation Therapy System, an FDA-approved treatment option for selected women who have been treated with lumpectomy for early stage breast cancer with negative lymph nodes. It is a type of internal radiation that treats only those cells immediately adjacent to the lumpectomy cavity. It reduces the potential side effects of radiation therapy, and it reduces treatment time from six to eight weeks to just five days.

Breast Conserving Surgery

This includes partial mastectomy, also known as lumpectomy. This surgery removes the cancer, but not the breast. Most women prefer lumpectomy to mastectomy, and studies show that lumpectomy followed by radiation treatment is as effective as mastectomy. The major advantages to breast-conserving surgery are appearance of the breast, less surgery and faster healing.

Breast Reconstruction

Rebuilding the breast(s) after mastectomy or bilateral mastectomy is available at the time of the breast cancer surgery, or at a later date, according to the patient's wishes. Depending on the size of the breast, type of mastectomy, and the patient's skin and muscle condition, various reconstructive procedures are used. In some cases, tissue can be moved from one part of the body to the breast area; in other cases, implants are used.

Radiation Therapy

• MammoSite^TM Radiation Therapy System
• Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

Clinical Trials and Chemotherapies

The Breast Center participates in a large number of national multi-institutional clinical trials. All have a quality of life component. Learn more about our clinical trials here, call our research nurse at 443-777-7364, or ask your breast care navigator for information.

Rehabilitation

• Lymphedema treatment

Need a breast services referral? Call our toll-free Cancer HelpLine at 1-877-715-HOPE (4673).