Breast Cancer Screening, Detection, and Treatment

Screening and Detection
The Diagnostic Breast Center at Good Samaritan Hospital is a full service program dedicated to breast imaging and interventional procedures. The Diagnostic Breast Center Radiologists have their subspecialty in mammography and breast interventional techniques. The Breast Center offers screening mammography and diagnostic mammography with on-site radiologist supervision and interpretation. Other procedures offered at the Center include: breast ultrasound, stereotactic guided minimally invasive needle biopsy using the Mammatone Biopsy System, and ultrasound guided needle core biopsy. Galactograms and pre-operative wire localization with mammographic and ultrasound guidance are also performed in the Breast Center.

New Diagnostic Technologies
New diagnostic technologies recently implemented at Good Samaritan Hospital include computer-aided detection (CAD) for enhanced interpretation of screening and diagnostic mammograms, as well as MRI of the breast. Breast MRI will be used as an adjunct to mammography and breast ultrasound to aid in the diagnostic evaluation of benign breast disease and early cancer detection. Another recent innovation is PET scanning, which will allow for increased detection of metastistic breast cancer and a more sensitive determination of the efficacy of breast cancer therapies.

Clinical Research
Clinical research studies may make available innovative treatment options. Clinical studies for breast cancer research are available through Good Samaritan Hospital's Cancer Care Center.

Treatment Options
Sentinel node biopsy is performed for many women who are undergoing breast cancer surgery. This technique identifies and samples lymph nodes to determine whether breast cancer has spread beyond the original site.

Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) is performed for the majority of women who have early stage breast cancer. Women who undergo this surgery have the option of external beam radiation or Mammosite brachytherapy to minimize the possibility of cancer recurrence in the breast.

Mammosite is method of delivering radiation to the area around the lumpectomy site. Not every woman is appropriate for Mammosite - you should check with your surgeon and radiation oncologist prior to your operation. During breast surgery a balloon (MammoSite) is placed in the space where the tumor was removed. The balloon is filled with X-ray dye and saline to make sure that the balloon properly fills the space where the tumor was removed. Treatment planning must be done with a radiation oncologist following balloon placement. The radiation is then delivered through the catheter twice daily for five days.

Breast reconstruction using various current techniques with our skilled reconstructive surgeons is available if mastectomy is determined to be the best treatment option.

Genetic counseling with our board-certified geneticist is available to discuss concerns regarding heredity and breast cancer.

Supportive Services
If a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer our Breast Health Specialist will provide information and support to help with the many decisions that may be faced. Our Look Good Feel Better is a program offered through the American Cancer Society at Good Samaritan Hospital. Licensed professionals assist you with makeup, head coverings and other tips to help you feel confident in your appearance while undergoing cancer treatment. Personal training with fitness counselors experienced in restorative techniques is available through our Wellness Center.

Our Philosophy
Our philosophy at the Cancer Care Center is to provide patients with a caring, compassionate and professional environment in which to receive treatment. We promise to listen to our patients and treat them with respect. Our goal is to provide excellent care by stressing teamwork and attention to detail. We incorporate new advancements and innovations to deliver the best care and achieve the best outcomes for our patients.

Contact Us
For further information on radiation treatment options please contact us at 630-275-2300. If you need assistance in finding a physician please contact Health Advisor at 1-800-323-8622.