It’s estimated that 12% of women will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetimes. Whether you need a biopsy to diagnose a suspicious lump or surgery to treat breast cancer, you can count on receiving compassionate and experienced care from the doctors at Desert West Surgery. If you have questions or need guidance about how to proceed after a lump is discovered, call one of the three offices in Las Vegas, Nevada, or use the online booking feature to schedule an appointment.
The most common breast cancer symptoms include:
You may also develop breast itchiness, redness, or swelling from some types of breast cancer.
Your chances of developing breast cancer increase as you get older, with most cases diagnosed after the age of 55. You’re also at a higher risk if you meet any of the following criteria:
Inherited genetic mutations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes significantly raise your risk for breast cancer.
When a suspicious lump has been identified by a mammogram or ultrasound, the next step is a biopsy, which is the only way to determine whether your lump is cancerous or benign.
The doctors at Desert West Surgery perform four types of breast biopsies:
Each biopsy removes increasingly more tissue, beginning with a small sample of cells during a fine needle aspiration, and ending with removing all or part of the lump in a surgical biopsy.
After your breast cancer is diagnosed, the type of surgery used to remove the tumor depends on the type of cancer, its size, and whether it has spread. The doctors at Desert West Surgery take time to explain your options, answer your questions, and guide your treatment decision.
Your surgical options include:
During a lumpectomy, your surgeon removes the tumor and a small portion of the surrounding tissue. This procedure keeps most of your breast intact, however, you’ll likely need radiation to destroy any cancer cells that are still in your breast. Lymph nodes may also be removed to determine whether the cancer has spread.
During a mastectomy, your surgeon removes the entire breast, but the amount of skin or muscle removed depends on the type of mastectomy:
You don’t need to face breast cancer alone; the doctors at Desert West Surgery are available to help. Call one of the offices or book an appointment online.
