Types of Breast Cancer We Treat
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers that impacts women, but your experience is unique. Our Cancer Care team is here for you through every part of your treatment. We collaborate on a personalized care plan that meets your needs.
We have significant experience treating patients with all types of breast cancer including:
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
- HER2-positive breast cancer
- Hormone receptor positive breast cancer
- Inflammatory breast cancer
- Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)
- Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC)
- Paget’s disease
- Triple-negative breast cancer
Our team is dedicated to offering personalized treatment plans for you. Even if your cancer is not one specifically listed above, we provide comprehensive care for all forms of breast cancer.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
The early stages of breast cancer usually don’t cause pain and may not cause any symptoms, but may cause a new lump in the breast or underarm, swelling or dimpling of the skin, inversion of the nipple or bloody fluid coming from the nipple. You know your body better than anyone. If you think you are feeling any of these breast cancer symptoms, reach out to your primary care doctor so we can learn more about what might be causing them.
Screening and Early Detection
We work to find breast cancer in the earliest stages when it is most treatable. Our healthcare team provides guidelines on when to start screening and how often to screen based on your personal and family history.
Regular breast screening is vital for the early detection of breast cancer. The Lurie Women’s Imaging Center at El Camino Health offers advanced screening technology, including 3D mammograms (tomosynthesis), targeted and whole breast ultrasounds, and MRIs, which can detect breast cancers too small for you to feel. We also offer free mammograms and diagnostic screenings to women who qualify.
Learn about breast cancer risk management
Diagnosing Breast Cancer
If screening tests show abnormal areas in the breast, we may order additional testing to rule out breast cancer. These tests may include a breast ultrasound or MRI to take a closer look at the suspicious area. We may also recommend a biopsy, where we sample a small area of breast tissue and examine it under a microscope.
We know that learning you have breast cancer can feel scary. That’s why our cancer team is committed to seeing you as quickly as possible after your diagnosis, so we can start treatment without delay. Consultations with our cancer team are often available within 48 hours.
Treatment Options
No two breast cancers are the same. You deserve a personalized care plan tailored to your needs and individual characteristics of your cancer. Our multidisciplinary team of breast specialists, including fellowship-trained breast radiologists, surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and pathologists, is here to collaborate on a treatment plan that works for you.
Surgery
You may be a candidate for surgery, which is a common treatment for breast cancer. We use multiple advanced methods to ensure that we remove as much of your breast tumor as possible. This technique lowers the chance of the cancer coming back. Your breast cancer care team may recommend surgery, along with other treatments, such as radiation and systemic therapy.
Your multidisciplinary team carefully considers surgical options along with the specifics of each patient’s cancer to ensure the most personalized treatment plan for you.
Breast Conserving Surgery (Lumpectomy or Partial Mastectomy)
Breast conserving surgery is also called a lumpectomy or partial mastectomy. This procedure involves removing the cancer with a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue. The goal is to keep as much healthy breast tissue as possible. Benefits include a shorter recovery time while preserving the breast.
Mastectomy
Mastectomy surgery involves the removal of one or both breasts. In some cases, skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomies are possible, which can improve how the breast looks after cancer surgery. The type of mastectomy depends on the characteristics of the breast cancer and the patient’s preferences.
A mastectomy can also be thought of as a preventative measure for those at very high risk for breast cancer due to genetic factors.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
A sentinel lymph node biopsy is surgery to check the first lymph nodes in the underarm that drain from the tumor to see if cancer has spread. This procedure can help avoid removing more lymph nodes than necessary, which can reduce side effects like lymphedema.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery
At El Camino Health, our breast reconstruction surgeons bring the latest techniques and advancements, including less invasive options, better scar placement and improved cosmetic results, to help you get back to feeling like yourself after breast cancer surgery.
Breast reconstruction aims to restore the appearance of the breast after a mastectomy or, in some cases, a lumpectomy. Our surgeons can perform reconstruction using saline or silicone implants. We can also perform autologous or “flap” reconstruction using tissue from another part of the body. Your team can provide information so that you can make an informed decision about your reconstruction.
Radiation
You may receive radiation therapy after your breast surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells in your breast. If your tumor is large or difficult to remove, your doctor may also recommend radiation therapy before surgery to shrink your tumor.
Our team of expert radiation oncologists at our Radiation Treatment Center have treated thousands of patients and use state-of-the-art radiation treatments, including stereotactic radiosurgery, adaptive radiation therapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy, to treat breast cancer with speed and precision. You may also benefit from brachytherapy, or internal radiation therapy, which can offer a shorter course of treatment.
Chemotherapy
Endocrine Therapy
Certain types of breast cancer respond well to endocrine therapies, which work to block the hormone estrogen. These therapies may be oral pills. We work with you to find an option that you tolerate well. There are both medications and non-pharmacologic treatments that can counteract side effects.
Targeted Therapies and Antibody-Drug Conjugates
Targeted therapies attack specific markers or features of the cell cycle. They may be oral medications and can sometimes be just as or more effective than traditional chemotherapy options.
Antibody drug conjugates are a newer class of medication that combine features of immunotherapy with chemotherapy and can be highly effective for some people.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses your immune system to attack the cancer as foreign. Based on the presence of certain markers, you may be eligible for immunotherapy to treat your breast cancer.
Tumor Sequencing and Blood Surveillance
Using the latest technologies in next generation sequencing, we identify the most specific treatments to personalize your care. These tests identify biomarkers and specific mutations within the cancer cells that we can target with medications. You may also be eligible for blood tests to try to identify relapse or recurrence sooner than traditional imaging.
Integrative Oncology Services
In addition to other treatments, we offer support services and therapies that complement your care. Our functional recovery program includes lymphedema therapy, physical therapy, health coaching, social work, nutrition and support groups.
Clinical Trials
At El Camino Health, we’re committed to making sure you have access to the newest and most leading-edge treatments. You may be eligible to participate in a clinical trial at our site. If so, we will discuss these options with you.
Multidisciplinary Breast Care Conference
Our multidisciplinary breast care conference, or tumor board, is a collaborative meeting where specialists including oncologists, surgeons, radiologists and pathologists come together to discuss individual breast cancer cases. After reviewing each patient's case, the team develops personalized treatment plans that integrate the latest advancements in breast cancer care. Patients benefit from the combined expertise of this multidisciplinary team of specialists, leading to improved outcomes.
High-Risk Breast Program
Our High-Risk Breast Program offers personalized care for patients at an increased risk for breast cancer. We provide comprehensive risk assessments using genetic testing as well as family and personal history. Patients receive tailored surveillance plans, which may include clinical exams and enhanced screening and imaging. The program also emphasizes preventative strategies, lifestyle modifications and access to risk-reduction medications and support services.
Breast Cancer Care Team
At El Camino Health, we bring together a team of experts specialized in caring only for patients like you with breast cancer. Our Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Team includes board-certified, fellowship-trained breast medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists and breast reconstruction surgeons. This team works alongside radiologists, pathologists and breast cancer nurse navigators to provide a customized experience for you. We are dedicated to treating you — giving hope for a cure and high quality of life.
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View ProfileTran Ho, DO, FSSO, FACS
Breast Surgical Oncologist
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View ProfilePriya Jayachandran, MD, FACP
Breast Medical Oncologist
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Christine Robbins, RN
Breast Health Nurse Navigator
Cancer Awards & Accreditations
Our superior Cancer Care has earned us a three-year accreditation as a comprehensive community cancer program from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). Accreditation ensures that the care you receive right here in your community is high-quality and uses evidence-based, national treatment guidelines.
We’re also an ACS Surgical Quality Partner and committed to the highest surgery standards.
Patients rate us highly, too. Based on PressGaney patient satisfaction surveys, our “likeliness to recommend” score is over 90%, and we’ve won the top patient experience award multiple years in a row.
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Cancer Patient Stories
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