Breast Cancer Treatment
There are more treatment options for breast cancer than ever before and making decisions about your treatment can be overwhelming. At the Lifespan Cancer Institute, we understand how difficult this process can be. Our care team works with you every step of the way to formulate a treatment plan that's best suited for your breast cancer and your preferences. In cancer care, doctors specialize in different areas of cancer treatment. Treatment options vary depending on a patient’s overall treatment plan but may include surgery, targeted drug therapy, and non-invasive image-guided brachytherapy.
Diagnostic Services for Breast Cancer Treatment
We also offer second opinion and consultation services to review any current breast imaging studies performed at another facility.
Learn more about the Anne C. Pappas Center for Breast Imaging
Throughout treatment, the team keeps the patient’s primary care physician informed about the patient’s treatment plan and progress. When treatment is completed, we will send a comprehensive summary of the patient’s treatment history and a plan for follow-up care.
Lifespan medical imaging facilities meet the FDA’s Mammography Quality Standards and are certified by the American College of Radiology. Techniques available include:
- Digital mammography
- Digital breast tomosynthesis (3-D mammography)
- Breast ultrasound
- Breast MRI
- Breast needle biopsy
- Cyst or fine needle aspiration
We also offer second opinion and consultation services to review any current breast imaging studies performed at another facility. Learn more about the Anne C. Pappas Center for Breast Imaging and Lifespan Medical Imaging.
Breast Cancer Treatment Options
Our team meets with each patient to discuss the patient’s preferences and recommend a treatment plan that may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or surgery. Each patient is also evaluated for genetic aspects of the disease and is referred to a genetics clinic if necessary. Patients are offered access to promising new treatments as participants in clinical trials.
Breast Cancer Surgery – Breast cancer surgery refers to the removal of the tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue during the operation. Surgery is also used to examine the nearby lymph nodes, which are under the arm. Generally, the smaller the tumor is, the more surgical options a patient has.
Targeted Drug Therapy – In certain cases, breast cancer can be treated with targeted drug therapy. This treatment option uses medicine to attack cancer without harming normal cells. This type of medication is given through the bloodstream to reach cancer throughout the body.
Non-Invasive Image-Guided Brachytherapy – a form of internal radiation, sometimes called partial-breast radiation or brachytherapy is used after a lumpectomy to target only the area very close to the original cancer site. Small pieces of radioactive material are placed around the cancer site and emit radiation into tissue at the highest risk for reoccurrence.
We also provide:
- Breast health navigators who are registered nurses trained in oncology working in conjunction with treating physicians to guide patients through diagnosis, treatment and recovery
- Rehabilitation therapy
- Lymphedema management program
- Adjunct therapies including reiki, massage, pet visits, and art or music projects
Support and Rehabilitation
We are dedicated to helping people live their lives to the fullest, both during and after cancer diagnosis and treatment. We have developed a wide array of services for our cancer patients.