Breast Cancer has
become increasingly more frequent. What once occurred in 1 in 11 women
now occurs in less than 1 in 9 women. Attention to risk factors and
early detection has become more important. This is best accomplished
with monthly self-examinations, yearly mammography (initial at 35,
yearly after 40), and yearly physical examinations.
Abnormal mammograms and
early detection of breast cancer can now be done with minimally invasive
techniques. No longer is surgical breast biopsy necessary for definitive
diagnosis in most cases. This can be done by a new minimally invasive
technique called Stereotatic Breast Biopsy. This is done
with a small incision as an outpatient under local anesthesia in the
Breast Care Center. Dr. Hodge is 1 of 3 surgeons in the area trained
and experienced in this procedure.
Breast Cancer surgery
itself has undergone a minimally invasive approach. The vast majority of
cancers can now be treated by lumpectomy or partial mastectomy. It is
now the rare occasion that a complete mastectomy is necessary. It has
become more of the patient's choice as to which procedure is performed.
Most importantly,
it is the treatment of the lymph nodes which has underwent the most
advantageous approach to minimally invasive surgery. No longer do women
have to endure the potential side effects of a full lymph node
dissection unless there is documented metastatic cancer. Most women with
early stage breast cancer are candidates for a Sentinel Lymph Node
Biopsy. This is where only 1 or 2 lymph nodes are removed at the
time of surgery to test for metastatic cancer. This spares about 75% of
patients from having to risk the side effects of a complete lymph node
dissection. Our surgeons are trained and experienced in this technique.
