When it comes to breast health, it’s comforting to know that the facility you choose features a full continuum of advanced care, such as that offered at the GW Comprehensive Breast Center. From detection, to treatment and after-care, nationally and internationally known physicians specialize in one field – breast care.
Diagnosing Breast Cancer
Rachel Brem, MD, is Director of Breast Imaging and Intervention, as well as a Professor of Radiology at the George Washington University Hospital. She says because of MRI or molecular breast imaging technology, for 10 percent of the women diagnosed with breast cancer, additional cancer will be found that cannot be seen with regular mammography or ultrasound. “Women with dense breast tissue are at higher risk for breast cancer, and a certain percentage of mammograms don’t always pick up cancer in dense tissue,” she says. Newly diagnosed women receive additional testing to determine the exact nature of the cancer.
Biopsy or Surgery?
Christine Teal, MD, Chief of Breast Surgery and Director of the Breast Care Center, says a patient can either have a tumor and the surrounding tissue removed, a partial or complete mastectomy or a mastectomy with reconstruction. Dr. Teal says she has seen a rise in younger patients who require mastectomies. “We try to work around that if we can. If the patient meets certain criteria, we do gene testing, and that helps us determine if we actually need to remove the breast.” Also on the rise is the number of patients opting to have reconstructive surgery at the same time surgery is done. “This means they don’t have to come back for a second procedure, and that is much easier on them,” say Dr. Teal.
Options in Breast Reconstruction
Teresa Buescher, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, specializes in microvascular breast reconstruction, which involves using the patient’s own skin and tissue. “Many women opt to have reconstruction, and we can offer them multiple options. It really depends on the patient’s health, cancer treatment, preference and other variables,” says Dr. Buescher. “We work with our patients to give them the results they are looking for, so they can feel as normal as possible following their diagnosis and treatment.”
Pre- and Post-surgery Care With Breast Cancer Rehab and Lymphedema Therapy
When a patient has breast cancer surgery involving the removal of lymph nodes, or has radiation therapy, complications can develop including lymphedema. Lymphedema is a condition that causes fluid retention and tissue swelling in a limb or body region. Senior Occupational Therapist Marcella Bassora, OTR/L, CLT, says, “We have certified oncology and lymphedema therapists who meet with patients for pre- and post-surgery education and individualized treatment. Patients participate in a comprehensive evaluation with treatments focused on reducing swelling and scar tissue, infection prevention, addressing functional impairments and improving quality of life.”
Cancer Genetic Testing – Understanding Your Risk
Early detection and preventing cancer are the daily focus of the Ruth Paul Hereditary Cancer Program. Women and men with a family or personal history of cancer can be referred for genetic counseling and testing. Breast Oncologist and Program Leader, Rebecca Kaltman, MD, says there are a host of genes that can contribute to one's risk of developing cancer. “With the advent of panel testing, testing for multiple cancer related genes at the same time, we are better able to define an individual’s cancer risk. We are now able to detect mutations in cancer genes that were previously poorly understood or not identified,” she says. “If we find a patient has a genetic mutation in a cancer-related gene, we now have guidelines that help us make recommendations to effectively reduce that risk. We also have specialists here at GW who are committed to providing the highest level of state-of-theart care to manage these high-risk individuals.”
Podcast: What You Need to Know About Breast Health
Rachel F. Brem, MD, FACR, FSBI, discusses the various breast cancer screening options (mammography, ultrasound, MR, molecular breast imaging) and clears up some of the confusion surrounding the current mammography recommendations. Dr. Brem also explains the advances in biopsy procedures, as well as why early detection is crucial in preserving women's lives.
For more information on the comprehensive and advanced breast care offered at GW Hospital, visit www.gwhospital.com/breastcare.
Mobile mammography is another way women can receive breast screenings in a convenient, comfortable setting. The GW Mammovan travels to various sites in the DC metropolitan area. For more information, visit www.gwdocs.com/mammovan.