Breast Care Surgical Center
Comfortable, Customized Treatment.
Galliano Surgical Group also offers patients a comprehensive breast care center with state of the art services. We handle everything from screening and prevention to diagnosis, treatment, and supportive psychological therapy. Here our patients are offered a multidisciplinary approach to breast disease.
- Detecting and Preventing Breast Cancer:
Detecting and preventing breast cancer is crucial in saving lives and promoting women's health. Regular breast cancer screenings, such as mammograms and self-examinations, play a vital role in early detection, allowing for timely treatment and improved outcomes. Women with symptoms and/or with a strong family history would be recommended to undergo more scrutinizing and aggressive diagnostic screening.
​
Additionally, adopting a healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and limiting alcohol consumption, can help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
-
Mammography
Mammography is a diagnostic imaging technique used to detect and evaluate breast abnormalities. It involves taking X-ray images of the breast tissue to identify potential signs of breast cancer or other conditions. Mammography plays a crucial role in early detection and screening, allowing for early intervention and improved treatment outcomes.
-
Breast Ultrasound
Breast ultrasound is a medical imaging technique that uses sound waves to create detailed images of the breast tissue. It is commonly used as a supplementary tool to mammography in evaluating breast abnormalities, such as lumps or changes in breast tissue. Breast ultrasound is non-invasive, painless, and does not involve ionizing radiation, making it a safe and valuable diagnostic tool in breast health assessment.
-
PET/CT Fusion
PET/CT fusion imaging is a powerful diagnostic tool used in the evaluation of breast cancer. It combines positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) into a single scan, providing detailed information about both the structure and metabolism of breast tissue. By merging the functional data from PET, which detects metabolic activity, with the anatomical information from CT, PET/CT fusion imaging enables more accurate detection, staging, and monitoring of breast cancer, leading to improved treatment planning and patient outcomes.
-
Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)
Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure used in the evaluation of breast cancer. It involves the use of a thin needle to extract a small sample of cells or fluid from a breast lump or suspicious area. The collected sample is then examined under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment planning for breast cancer.
-
Vacuum Assisted Stereotactic Biopsy under X-Ray and Ultrasound
Vacuum Assisted Stereotactic Biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure used for diagnosing breast cancer. It combines the use of X-ray and ultrasound imaging to precisely target suspicious areas in the breast. A vacuum-assisted device is then used to extract tissue samples for further analysis, providing accurate and reliable results while minimizing patient discomfort and scarring.
-
Digital Mammography
Digital mammography is an advanced imaging technique used for the early detection of breast cancer. It utilizes digital X-ray sensors to capture and produce high-resolution images of the breast tissue. Compared to traditional film-based mammography, digital mammography offers several benefits, including improved image quality, faster image acquisition, and the ability to enhance and manipulate images for better interpretation by radiologists.
-
Breast MRI
Breast MRI, also known as magnetic resonance imaging, is a medical imaging technique specifically designed to examine breast tissue. It utilizes a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to generate detailed images of the breast, providing a comprehensive view of the breast's internal structures. Breast MRI is often used as a supplemental screening tool for high-risk individuals or to evaluate suspicious findings from other imaging tests like mammograms. Breast MRI screening is not recommended for asymptomatic women.
-
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing for breast cancer involves analyzing an individual's DNA to identify specific changes or mutations in genes that are associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. This testing can provide valuable information about an individual's inherited risk factors and help guide personalized prevention strategies or treatment options. By identifying genetic mutations early on, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare and potentially take proactive measures to manage their risk.
-
Core Needle Biopsy
Core Needle Biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose breast cancer. During the procedure, a thin needle is inserted into the breast tissue to extract small cylindrical samples, or cores, for further analysis. This technique allows doctors to accurately determine the presence and characteristics of breast cancer, aiding in the development of appropriate treatment plans.
-
MRI Biopsy
MRI biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure used to obtain tissue samples from suspicious areas identified on breast MRI scans. It involves the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance to accurately target and extract tissue samples for further analysis. This technique provides valuable information about the nature of breast lesions, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment planning for breast cancer patients.
Tools for Diagnosing Breast Cancer:
Working with an Oncologist:
We refer our patients to an oncologist that works closely with our breast cancer surgeons. The oncologist will formulate an individualized treatment plan based on the patient’s age, general condition, and tumor factors. Many times patients will be encouraged to consider chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy. It has become quite common to the patient to see an oncologist before a treatment plan has been formulated. In many cases, the oncologist will attempt to shrink the size of the tumor before any surgery to optimize breast conservation.
-
Lumpectomy
A lumpectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove a breast tumor while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue. During the procedure, a surgeon makes a small incision in the breast and removes the tumor along with a margin of normal tissue. Lumpectomies are commonly used in the treatment of breast cancer, and they aim to remove the cancerous cells while maintaining the appearance and function of the breast to the greatest extent possible.
-
Mastectomy
A mastectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of one or both breasts. It is typically performed as a treatment option for breast cancer or as a preventive measure for individuals at high risk of developing breast cancer. The procedure may involve the removal of the entire breast or just a portion of it, depending on the extent of the disease or the individual's preference.
-
Radical Mastectomy
A radical mastectomy is a surgical procedure primarily performed for the treatment of breast cancer. It involves the complete removal of the affected breast, along with the underlying chest muscles and lymph nodes in the armpit region. This extensive surgical intervention aims to eradicate cancerous cells and prevent the spread of the disease to nearby tissues. Thirty years ago this was standard treatment for breast cancer but it is rarely performed today.
-
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy for breast cancer is a common treatment approach that involves the use of high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells in the breast. It is typically employed after surgery to remove the tumor, or in some cases, before surgery to shrink the tumor. By precisely delivering radiation to the affected area, radiation therapy helps to eliminate any remaining cancer cells, reduce the risk of recurrence, and improve overall survival rates for breast cancer patients.
-
Simple Mastectomy
A simple mastectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the entire breast tissue, including the nipple and areola, while leaving the chest muscles intact. It is commonly performed as a treatment option for breast cancer patients when the tumor is limited to the breast tissue and has not spread to the surrounding lymph nodes. After the surgery, patients may choose to undergo breast reconstruction to restore the appearance of the breast.
-
Modified Radical Mastectomy
A Modified Radical Mastectomy is a surgical procedure commonly performed for the treatment of breast cancer. It involves the removal of the breast tissue, including the nipple and areola, along with the axillary lymph nodes in the armpit region. This procedure is typically recommended when cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or when there is a significant risk of lymph node involvement.
-
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
A Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) is a surgical procedure commonly performed in cases of breast cancer to determine if cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes. It involves the identification and removal of the sentinel lymph node, which is the first lymph node that cancer cells are likely to spread to from the primary tumor. By analyzing the sentinel lymph node, doctors can accurately assess the presence or absence of cancer metastasis, aiding in treatment planning and determining the stage of the disease.