Breast Cancer Treatments in Staten Island, NY
Breast cancer treatments are always evolving. Patients want a medical center with access to the latest developments and an experienced team with the right resources to deliver the best possible outcomes.
Richmond University Medical Center has been recognized by the American College of Surgeon’s Commission on Cancer Care as a top treatment center for over 80 consecutive years. Our team of medical oncologists are knowledgeable and equipped with the latest research, including targeted treatments. Learn more about the breast cancer treatments we offer.
Diagnosing Breast Cancer
Early diagnosis is key to successful breast cancer treatment. The earlier cancer is detected, the more treatment options will be available. Most diagnoses begin with a routine screening. Annual or biannual mammograms can detect breast cancer before it causes noticeable symptoms or a lump.
If a patient’s mammogram detects a suspicious mass, or if the patient finds a lump, further diagnostic testing will be needed. This begins with a physical exam, during which the physician evaluates the breasts and asks questions about the patient’s medical and family history. The physical examination is often followed by advanced medical imaging. 3D mammography provides a more complete picture than routine mammograms, while breast ultrasounds use sound waves to give physicians a closer look at abnormalities.
Breast cancer diagnosis is confirmed with a biopsy. This procedure involves taking a small tissue sample to be analyzed under a microscope. The analysis will tell physicians whether the abnormality is cancerous. It also helps them determine the traits of the cancer that may be used to guide a treatment plan. There are two variations of the biopsy procedure:
- Stereotactic breast biopsy: The abnormality is located using mammography, or a breast X-ray, then removed for testing.
- Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy: The abnormality is located with ultrasound, which is also used to guide tissue removal.
After breast cancer is diagnosed and its features are understood, the physician will begin developing a treatment plan.
Breast Cancer Treatments
Many treatment options are available for breast cancer. At Richmond University Medical Center, physicians take a multidisciplinary approach to treatment planning. This means that oncologists collaborate with a team of other medical experts to combine their expertise while planning treatment. Cancer care is fully personalized to the individual and utilizes all available resources. Treatments available at Richmond University Medical Center include:
Surgery
Surgery is a preferred treatment for early-stage breast cancer. Procedures involve removing the tumor and often other tissue as well. Richmond University Medical Center offers several variations:
- Lumpectomy: The surgeon removes the tumor and some nearby tissue while preserving most of the breast, allowing the patient to maintain a more natural appearance.
- Oncoplastic lumpectomy or mastectomy: The surgeon removes the tumor using plastic surgery techniques to reduce the visual impact of surgery.
- Nipple-sparing mastectomy: The surgeon removes the tumor and the majority of breast tissue but preserves the nipple and areola for future reconstruction.
- Immediate reconstruction mastectomy: The surgeon places an implant immediately after tumor removal, letting the patient avoid future reconstructive surgery.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation oncology is a common approach to breast cancer treatment. Nearly two-thirds of patients undergo this procedure. It involves administering small dosages of radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be used by itself, or it may be used to shrink a tumor before surgery.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves the application of strong drugs that attack cells that grow and divide rapidly, including cancer cells. Chemotherapy is carried through the bloodstream, allowing it to circulate throughout the body. This makes it effective for controlling cancer that has spread.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy empowers the patient’s immune system to fight cancer. It works by removing immune cells from the patient’s body and modifying them with instructions to attack cancer cells. The modified cells are re-inserted into the body, helping the body make new cancer-fighting cells.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is the latest development in cancer treatment. It uses drugs or antibodies that attack cells with certain characteristics found only in breast cancer cells. This makes it effective in controlling or eliminating cancer while causing fewer side effects than other treatments.
Breast Cancer Counseling and Family Support
Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis and undergoing treatment can be stressful. To help patients and their loved ones through this difficult time, we offer the Family Care and Support Program. This program offers a variety of resources that can make the process easier. Services provided by the Family Care and Support Program include:
- Counseling
- Group sessions
- Discharge planning
- Home care
- Collaboration with other support providers
- Referral to community and social support services
- Additional support before, during, and after treatment
A Dedicated Nurse Navigator
The program also pairs families with a dedicated Nurse Navigator. This committed partner supports the patient and their loved ones from day one of diagnosis until final treatments and beyond. The Nurse Navigator provides compassionate and personalized care, guidance, and encouragement at every step of the process, ensuring the patient is never alone.
Breast Cancer Research
Breast cancer treatment has improved significantly in recent history. This is largely due to the efforts of medical researchers who constantly pursue new innovations. Richmond University Medical Center contributes to this important work with clinical trials. Our oncologists identify promising new treatments that patients may receive. Patients gain access to the latest developments in medical technology while personally supporting researchers’ efforts to improve treatment outcomes.
Get the Breast Cancer Treatment You Deserve
Patients diagnosed with breast cancer can receive the highest quality of care at Richmond University Medical Center. Our physicians offer screening, diagnosis, and the latest breast cancer treatments, complete with integrated family support, for patients throughout the Staten Island, NY area. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact us today.
