What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a common and terrible disease that starts when breast cells mutate and grow out of control. Breast cancer can start in several different parts of the breast including the ducts that carry milk to the nipple (ductal cancers) and the glands that make breast milk (lobular cancers).
Breast cancer most often appears as a new lump but can also have symptoms of nipple pain, nipple retraction, nipple discharge, and swelling of the breast. Many breast cancers cannot be found by exam alone which highlights the importance of regular screening mammograms.
How is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?
Routine breast screening and mammograms and ultrasounds are important in the early detection of breast cancer. If initial imaging has a suspicious spot, your doctor may need a referral to a surgeon to help identify if the spot is benign or cancerous. Dr. Boyett will provide and coordinate a fine-needle aspiration, stereotactic biopsy, or surgical breast biopsy to help with the diagnosis.
Breast Cancer Treatment
If you have breast cancer or a precancerous lesion, Dr. Daniel Boyett provides a multi-disciplined team approach to treatment to provide you with the best possible care. This includes weekly meetings with a medical oncologist, radiational oncologist, and breast oncologist to individualize your treatment. Most breast cancer requires surgery and Dr. Boyett works with your team to provide a lumpectomy, mastectomy, sentinel lymph node biopsy, or axillary lymph node dissection based on your treatment plan.
