Breast Center of Excellence

3D Conformal Radiation Therapy

Three-dimensional (3D) conformal radiation therapy allows radiologists to mold radiation beams to the shape of a tumor. Doctors can view a tumor in three dimensions and send radiation beams from various directions to the tumor. This technique is used when tumors are irregularly shaped or are too close to healthy tissues and organs in order to limit radiation exposure to those areas.

Brachytherapy

Bracytherapy is a type of radiation therapy used to treat early-stage breast cancer. Instead of treating the entire breast with external radiation, radiologists deliver doses of radiation directly to the affected area of the breast over a short period of time.

Breast MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast is an imaging test that uses a magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to create a detailed picture of the breast and surrounding tissue. It can be used to screen people at high risk for cancer, to evaluate the extent of cancer after a diagnosis or to evaluate abnormalities seen in a mammography exam. A breast MRI does not use radiation.

Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is the rebuilding of a breast, usually in women. It involves using autologous tissue or prosthetic material to construct a natural-looking breast. Often this includes the reformation of a natural-looking areola and nipple.

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Breast Surgery

Surgery is often a recommended treatment for breast cancer. Surgery may be done to remove as much of the cancer as possible, to determine if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm, to relieve symptoms of advanced cancer, and to restore the breast’s shape after the cancer is removed. Your physician and treatment team will determine which form of surgery is most appropriate depending on your medical history, stage of the cancer, and your preferences.

Digital Mammography

Digital mammography is used to detect early-stage breast cancer. Radiology and digital technology allows for the identification of potentially malignant masses in the breast.

Hidden Scar Surgery

Breast cancer can be surgically removed with a mastectomy procedure (your surgeon will remove all of your breast tissue) or a lumpectomy procedure (your surgeon will remove only part of your breast tissue). With a Hidden Scar approach, your surgeon will place your incision in a location that is hard to see, so that the scar is not visible when your incision heals. As a result, you have little to no visible reminder of the surgery or your cancer.

Inpatient and Outpatient Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy, the treatment of disease by use of chemical substances, can be administered to a patient who is admitted to the hospital for treatment (inpatient) or without being admitted into the hospital (outpatient).

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) delivers precise radiation doses to a malignant tumor or specific areas within that tumor. This allows the dose of radiation to conform to a 3D shape of the tumor by controlling the intensity of the radiation beam in multiple small volumes. Normal tissues surrounding a tumor are less likely to be affected with this technique.

Lymphedema Treatment

Lymphedema is swelling in the arm, hand, back or chest wall that can occur when the underarm lymph nodes are removed during breast cancer treatment. Lymphedema can also occur after radiation treatment. In both instances, the lymphatic fluid collects and causes swelling, which can be extremely uncomfortable. Treatment for lymphedema includes complete decongestive therapy (massage, compression, exercise), bandaging, medication, and lifestyle changes (exercise and diet, skin protection)

MRI-Guided Biopsy

A needle is guided to collect a tissue sample of a breast lump or abnormality using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), an imaging test that uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed images of organ tissue. This procedure does not use radiation.

Nationally Recognized Treatment

We are the only breast center in the Ro Grande Valley that is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). Accreditation ensures that we provide the highest level of care throughout the entire course of treatment – from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. In addition to medical care, patients have access to breast center-related information, education and support.

Stereotactic Biopsy

A stereotactic biopsy uses two mammography images of the same location, at different angles, to help guide a needle to the precise location where an abnormality was detected. Once the tissue sample is collected, it can be screened for cancer cells.

Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy

An ultrasound-guided biopsy is performed to locate an abnormality in the breast and then insert a needle into the lesion to be able to study the tissue and establish a diagnosis. This procedure is usually done under local anesthesia and does not use radiation.