Spirit of Women magazine is a national publication presented to women by hospitals and their physicians. The magazine provides up-to-date, evidence-based healthcare information and promotes our hospitals as leaders in women's health excellence.
Issue link: https://spiritofwomen.epubxp.com/i/877943
Dr. Beth-Ann Lesnikoski, Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, Jacksonville, Fla. "Once, every woman with a tumor over a certain size had chemotherapy—but we've moved beyond one-size-fits-all." Oncoplastic surgery Oncoplastic surgery, an option for a tumor that is too large for a conventional lumpectomy, combines techniques from plastic surgery and breast cancer surgery. The goal is to preserve as much breast tissue and skin as possible to rebuild a natural-shaped breast. "If a woman has enough breast tissue, we can remove a larger tumor and reshape the breast into a smaller breast," says Dr. Lesnikoski. "Because the treated breast will be smaller than the other side, some women have a reduction on the untreated side—or get an implant on the treated side—after cancer treatment is complete." Genomic testing Using the genes of a specific cancer, genomic testing gives oncologists individualized estimates of recurrence risk to patients, helping physicians suggest the best course of treatment. "Based on the risk, we can choose the least toxic treatment that will be most effective at reducing the risk of recurrence for specific patients," says Dr. Laura Pearson, a breast surgeon affiliated with WellStar Health System in Roswell, Ga. "It can tell us which patients will benefit from chemotherapy in addition to hormonal therapy, and which patients will receive no benefit from chemotherapy, so patients can avoid unnecessary toxicities and side effects." Genomic testing can also help doctors gauge a woman's risk of the spread and recurrence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a noninvasive early type of breast cancer. "Based on their risk profiles, women might consider skipping radiation, and potentially even surgery," says Dr. Lesnikoski. Detecting breast cancer early can result in the most treatment options and the best chance of a cure. Yet it's harder to detect breast cancer in women with dense breasts, especially using traditional mammography. Although dense breasts are common and normal, especially in younger women, most studies find they increase the risk of breast cancer. If you've been told you have dense breasts or a heightened risk of breast cancer due to family history or other factors, ask your doctor about supplemental screening. These advanced imaging technologies give doctors a more precise view of breast tissue: Breast tomosynthesis, also called a 3D mammogram, takes multiple images and compiles them into a 3D model for a clearer picture of any masses. Breast cancer MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can increase the chances of detecting breast cancer in women with a higher-than-average risk of breast cancer or those who have already had breast cancer, and in women with dense breasts. Advanced imaging for early detection 13