Advances in Breast Cancer Detection and Treatment

Advocate South Suburban Hospital offers women some of the latest promising advances in the fight against breast cancer.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy and Lymphatic Mapping
Sentinel lymph node biopsy and lymphatic mapping are used to detect the spread of breast cancer after a tumor has been located. During this procedure, a harmless dye is injected around the primary tumor. The dye is absorbed into the lymphatic system, highlighting the pathway through which tumor cells would travel before lodging themselves in the sentinel lymph nodes. The sentinel node is then removed and examined under a microscope to see if it has been affected by cancer. Studies have indicated that if cancer has not affected the sentinel node, it is unlikely that it has spread to other areas.

By using the sentinel lymph node biopsy, physicians can determine the spread of cancer and the need for additional treatment. The biopsy also enables physicians to determine which lymph nodes should be removed and which can be preserved. This eliminates the need to remove all of the lymph nodes in the armpit, as is generally the recommended course of action.

The biopsy offers great benefits to patients. By preserving lymph nodes, the procedure helps prevent the development of lymphedema. Lymphedema, often caused by the removal of lymph nodes which disrupts the natural movement of lymph in the body, is a disorder in which lymph collects in body tissue, resulting in limited movement, discomfort, unsightly swelling and a risk for infection.

Some doctors predict sentinel node biopsy could reduce by 50 percent the number of women with breast cancer who need all the lymph glands in their armpit removed. It is not, however, the answer for all cancers and is considered unnecessary when the tumor is large and has probably already spread into the lymph glands.

New Imaging Techniques
South Suburban Hospital is also using another relatively new procedure to help determine whether suspicious areas found in mammograms are malignant.

Many times, densities and calcifications in the breast can make mammograms hard to read. Previously, waiting and performing another mammogram, or performing a biopsy were the only options to evaluate suspicious areas. But new imaging equipment available at South Suburban Hospital provides doctors with more information to help evaluate breast tissue abnormalities, regardless of breast density.

One of the important diagnostic procedures now performed at South Suburban Hospital involves injecting a material into the bloodstream that concentrates in breast cancer cells, identifying their presence. If a patient is found to have breast cancer cells, the physician can immediately talk over the results with the patient and decide upon a treatment plan.

For More Information
Learn more about the cancer services available or for a physician referral, call 1.800.3.ADVOCATE.

Convenient Location
South Suburban Hospital is easily accessible from the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), I-80 and I-57

17800 South Kedzie Avenue
Hazel Crest, IL 60429
(708) 799-8000

Click here for map and directions.