Breast cancer

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer

There can be several signs that you have breast cancer. With regular breast self-exams, you can personally assess any changes in your breasts and determine if you need to schedule a mammogram.

Some symptoms of breast cancer include:

• Discharge from the nipple, not associated with breast milk
• Irritated or dimpling skin
• Lump or mass under your arms
• New lump or mass felt in the breast tissue
• Painful nipple or nipple turning inward
• Redness on the breast or nipple
• Rough and scaly texture on the breast or nipple
• Swelling on a part of your breast

Diagnostic services for breast cancer

Not every woman with breast cancer will experience signs or symptoms, which is why getting your annual mammogram is so critical. Mammograms help us identify cancer early, when it is most treatable.

We recommend beginning annual mammograms at 40 years old, or earlier if you are considered to be at high risk. Mammography often identifies breast cancer before any physical symptoms develop, aiding in early detection. Your best chance of finding breast cancer early is through a combination of regular mammograms, routine breast exams by a healthcare professional and personal awareness of changes in your own breasts.

If an abnormality is identified by a breast self-exam, clinical exam or mammogram, diagnostic tests will be performed to identify if breast cancer is present. Finding an abnormality does not automatically result in a breast cancer diagnosis.

Diagnostic tests we perform include:

• Breast biopsy services — Removal of a small sample of breast tissue for diagnostic laboratory testing
  • Minimally invasive stereotactic breast biopsy — Mammogram technology pinpoints the location of an abnormality during biopsy
  • Surgical breast biopsies — Surgical removal of a portion of the breast mass
  • Ultrasound-guided breast biopsies — Sound waves produce images of breast structure to help locate a mass for biopsy
• Needle localization — Performed before breast biopsy or breast surgery to pinpoint the location of a breast abnormality
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy — Identifies if breast cancer has spread beyond the original tumor and into the lymphatic system

We use multiple methods of localization to mark cancerous lumps or masses before the day of biopsy or surgery. These markers help our breast surgeons easily identify the area being biopsied or removed during surgery.

Treatments for breast cancer

Not everyone receives the same treatment for breast cancer. Your care will be built around your genetic makeup, tumor location, breast size and other medical factors. We provide many services, so you can receive the personalized support you need. Our treatments include:

• Breast surgery — Surgical removal of tumors and breast tissue
  • Hidden scar surgery
  • Minimally invasive, or robot-assisted surgery
• Chemotherapy — Medication used to shrink or destroy breast cancer cells
  • Scalp-cooling treatment that helps prevent hair loss associated with chemotherapy treatment
• Radiation therapy — Beams of high-energy radiation used to kill breast cancer cells
  • Image-guided high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy
  • Radiation delivered via catheters directly to the site of the tumor
  • Radiation technology that adjusts beams to remain on a tumor as you breathes
• Tumor profiling — Personalized medicine that customizes the treatment strategy based on your unique genetic profile

Breast cancer surgery

Surgery is the most common form of breast cancer treatment. Your surgeon or breast surgical oncologist will work with you to discuss your options based on your diagnosis, treatment concerns and goals. We offer leading-edge techniques for breast cancer surgery and a full range of procedures, including:

• Breast reconstruction — Referrals to a plastic surgeon to reconstruct a natural breast appearance
• Lumpectomy — Breast conserving surgery where only the tumor and a small margin of healthy tissue is removed
  
  • Hidden scar lumpectomy — Majority of breast tissue remains intact and a surgical incision is made either in the crease underneath the breast, armpit or along the edge of the areola
  • Lumpectomy with an oncoplastic closure — Breast reconstruction or lift is performed at the same time the tumor is removed
  • Traditional lumpectomy — Removes only the tumor and a small amount of surrounding healthy tissue
• Mastectomy — Complete removal of the breast tissue, typically recommended for women with large tumors, with multiple tumors or at a high hereditary risk
  • Hidden scar nipple sparing mastectomy — Breast tissue is removed but the nipple and skin are left intact
  • Nipple sparing mastectomy — Entire contents of the breast are removed but the skin and nipple remain in place
  • Skin sparing mastectomy — Breast tissue and nipple are removed but breast skin remains intact
  • Total mastectomy — Complete removal of the breast tissue, most of the skin and nipple

Candidates for hidden scar surgery

For some women, their scar may be an empowering sign of conquering breast cancer. For other women, however, it can have an effect on their self-confidence, intimacy and body image. That's why we offer additional options for breast surgery that allow us to place the surgical incision in a location that is difficult to see. When the incision heals, the scar is not visible.

Candidacy for this surgery depends on the breast's size and shape and the tumor's location. Other factors are considered, as well. You may be a candidate if:

• You do not currently have breast cancer, but have a family history of the BRCA gene
• You have noninvasive breast cancer
• Your nipple does not contain cancerous tissue
• Your tumor is small and does not lie directly beneath the nipple

Lymphedema treatment

Lymphedema occurs when lymph fluid does not correctly drain. This causes a buildup of fluid, which leads to swelling. Lymphedema may result for certain people around the site of their cancer treatment. As part of our cancer rehabilitation program, we provide lymphedema treatment that focuses on reducing your swelling.

Additional support resources

Our breast care centers throughout the Kansas City region offer a full spectrum of breast imaging services. If you had a unexpected result on a screening mammogram or are coming to us after a breast cancer diagnosis, we are here to support you. We proudly provide a variety of specialized services, including:

• Access to the latest clinical trials and cancer treatments, with the support of a national cancer network
• Connection to community resources, outreach services and educational opportunities
• Molecular profiling that tailors your cancer treatment on a molecular level
• Personal nurse navigators that guide you through every step of cancer care
• Wellness programming focused on exercise, nutrition and emotional health

Our Wellness and Breast Cancer Guide explains how to maintain your health during cancer treatment through diet and exercise. To learn more about breast cancer and resources available in our community, visit one of the following reputable sources:

• American Cancer Society
• Cancer Action Kansas City
• Cancer Programs | American College of Surgeons
• Gilda's Club Kansas City
• Susan G. Komen

Recognition

We are committed to improving access to breast screening for women throughout our communities. Four of our hospitals are Accredited Breast Centers recognized by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC): Centerpoint Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center and Research Medical Center. This accreditation is awarded only to those facilities that provide the best possible comprehensive care for breast cancer.

About HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network

Fighting cancer takes a team

HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network delivers you exceptional cancer care through cutting-edge, specialized treatments, multidisciplinary collaboration and care that is tailored to you. Our teams of passionate caregivers and global oncology experts across the United States and United Kingdom offer services and expertise that extend across many types of cancer. Together with the full support of HCA Healthcare – a leading provider of cancer care and research – we’re with you and your family from diagnosis through survivorship.

askSARAH helpline

Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (816) 448-7737.