Medical Center of McKinney Provides Full Range of Breast Health and Reconstruction Services
Collin County LIVING WELL Magazine
Residents of the north Texas area could search far and wide for comprehensive breast cancer surgery and reconstructive services. But, fortunately, they don’t need to now that Medical Center of McKinney’s (MCM) advanced breast health services are available close to home.
By providing the latest in breast health services, MCM’s specialists are dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcome for every single patient. MCM’s services include ultrasound-guided biopsy and cyst aspiration; stereotactic breast biopsy; genetic testing for BRCA genes; mammosite radiation therapy; and breast conservation and skin-sparing mastectomy.
Early Detection is Key
As breast cancer treatments continue to evolve and improve, one factor remains constant. “Early detection is still the key,” says Beth Anglin, M.D., breast surgeon on staff at MCM. “With early detection, the breast cancer survival rate is 90%. Women who have no family history of breast cancer should start getting annual mammograms at age 40 and continue doing so for the rest of their lives. Those who have a family history of younger (pre-menopausal) breast cancer should start getting mammograms earlier. For all women, it’s important to be aware of family history of breast cancer – on both the maternal and paternal side.
BRCA Genetic Testing: A Vital Tool
BRCA genetic testing is a blood test that uses DNA analysis to identify harmful changes (mutations) in either one of the two breast cancer susceptibility genes — BRCA1 and BRCA2. Women who have inherited mutations in these genes face a much higher risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer, compared with the general population. In fact, studies have shown that up to four out of five patients with the BRCA gene will develop breast cancer.
“While having the BRCA test is certainly an individual’s choice, I believe it is a really good idea for patients with the appropriate family history,” Anglin says. “We encourage patients faced with this decision to talk it over with a professional who is informed on the subject – whether it’s me, our nurse practitioner or their primary care physician. It’s also important to let patients know BRCA testing is covered by insurance.”
Outcomes and Options
There’s no question breast surgery has come a long way over the past several decades. “In the 1970s, mastectomies (the surgical removal of one or both breasts) were the routine procedure,” Anglin says. “While mastectomies are still performed in cases where the cancer is larger and/or more aggressive, we now know less invasive surgeries are often appropriate and every bit as effective. In many of these ‘breast conservation’ surgeries such as a lumpectomy (surgery where only a portion of the breast is removed), less breast tissue is taken. In the case of mastectomy, we are able to preserve the skin, nipple and areola in certain cases.”
Breast Reconstruction
Today, the emotional and physical results of breast cancer are very different from what they were in the past. This is in large part due to breast reconstruction (a type of surgery that rebuilds the breast following a mastectomy).
“New kinds of treatment, as well as improved reconstructive surgery, mean that women who have breast cancer today have better choices,” says Naveen Setty, M.D., plastic surgeon on staff with MCM. “For example, a growing number of patients – of all ages – are choosing to have breast reconstruction done immediately following mastectomies. Also, more women who find out they’re at high risk for developing breast cancer, are having surgery to replace their breasts with implants. This is an extreme decision, but also a potentially life-saving one. It’s important for patients to understand there are many options available to them when it comes to breast reconstruction.”
Anglin adds, “All in all, women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have more reason than ever to hope for long, productive, fulfilling lives. Using new, minimally-invasive surgical techniques and reconstruction, we are taking more of a toll on cancer and less of a toll on our patients.”
For more information, please check out our website, www.medicalcenterofmckinney.com.
