A woman's lifetime risk of breast cancer is one in nine. At Exeter Hospital, our affiliated surgeons are committed to the early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Treatment strategies are individually tailored after consultation with pathologists, radiation oncologists, primary care physicians and medical oncologists at our weekly tumor conference.
Exeter Hospital also offers a Multidisciplinary Breast Clinic. This clinic allows women with a breast cancer diagnosis to meet with a team of specialists in one session and receive a comprehensive treatment plan.
Several surgical procedures are available:
Breast Conservation Therapy - Lumpectomy removes only the breast lump and surrounding tissues. This is usually done in conjuntion with radiation therapy.
Mastectomy - This procedure involves the removal of the entire breast. Depending on the type of mastectomy (simple, total, radical), lymph nodes and underlying muscle tissue may or may not be removed.
Sentinel Node Dissection - The removal of lymph nodes that drain fluid away from the breast and are the most likely candidates for harboring cancerous growths. This procedure is usually performed on women with a high risk factor for breast cancer. It leaves the breast in place, only removing as many lymph nodes as necessary to detect and remove cancer.
Reconstructive Surgery - Options range from reconstruction with breast implants to reconstruction with muscle transfers.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration offers a 2004 Breast Implant Consumer Handbook to the public. Click here to access this resource for the latest information available on breast implants.
Psychosocial and spiritual support are offered to patients and families struggling with the diagnosis of breast cancer. Rehabilitation and exercise are offered to assist patients in recovery from surgery.
Clinical Trials are also available.
Meet our affiliated breast surgeons:
Roderick McKee, MD
Diane Palladino, MD
Christopher Roseberry, MD
Jay Swett, MD
Breast Reconstructive Surgery:
Kimberly Marble, MD
For information on mammography for uninsured or underinsured women through our Women's Wellness Clinic, please click here.
