Our Priority Is Your Healing
At AdventHealth Ocala, we understand how difficult it can be to face a potential issue with your breast health. Rest assured that we’ll be with you through it all.
Our comprehensive, multidisciplinary Breast Health Program focuses on a personalized approach to cancer treatment that addresses your needs in body, mind and spirit — ensuring you get the whole-person breast cancer care you need, close to home.
Reach out to our team today to get started.
A screening mammogram in Ocala offers the best chance of detecting breast cancer early. Schedule your mammogram today.
We’re Ready to Care for Every Type of Breast Cancer
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Colloid Carcinoma
A rare form of invasive ductal carcinoma, colloid carcinoma begins in the milk duct and spreads into nearby healthy tissue.
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Ductal Carcinoma
The most common type of breast cancer, ductal carcinoma begins in the lining of the milk ducts and can spread through the blood and lymphatic system to other parts of the body.
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Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare but very aggressive cancer that often first shows up as reddening and swelling of the breast tissue rather than a lump.
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Lobular Carcinoma
The second most common type of breast cancer, lobular carcinoma produces lobules that empty into the milk ducts.
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Medullary Breast Cancer
A type of ductal breast cancer, medullary breast cancer is rare and typically easier to treat because it doesn’t grow quickly or spread outside the breast.
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Metaplastic Carcinoma
Metaplastic carcinoma — which is rare but possibly aggressive — describes tumors that contain types of tissue that aren’t normally found within the breast, such as skin or bone cells.
Enhanced Precision for Cancer Detection
Every woman's breast imaging needs are unique. That’s why we partner with Radiology Associates of Ocala to offer a full range of screening and diagnostic imaging services. Working together with their board-certified radiologists and dedicated, specially trained team, we make sure you benefit from the latest precision imaging technology in a welcoming and caring environment.
Radiology Associates of Ocala maintains ongoing accreditations from the American College of Radiology in key diagnostic services, including:
- 3D mammography
- Breast aspiration
- Breast MRI
- Breast ultrasound
- MRI-guided breast biopsy
- Stereotactic breast biopsy
- Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy
Access Expert Testing and Treatment
There’s no sure way to prevent breast cancer, but there are steps you can take to lower your risk. Early detection greatly increases the effectiveness of treatment. At AdventHealth Ocala, our Breast Health Program offers rapid local identification, diagnosis and surgical treatment to help you heal.
- Breast Cancer Screening
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Via our partnership with Radiology Associates of Ocala, we offer the latest and most advanced breast imaging services, including screening mammography and 3D mammography. We also offer BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic testing, which helps identify your unique breast cancer risk.
- Lumpectomy
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Lumpectomy is a partial breast surgery that’s used for tumors that can be entirely removed while leaving a significant amount of remaining normal breast tissue.
- Mastectomy
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In a mastectomy, the entire breast is removed. Mastectomies and double mastectomies are used for larger tumors, or for tumors associated with high-risk genetic findings.
We also specialize in partial mastectomy via the hidden scar technique. In this minimally invasive breast cancer surgery, a small incision is made in the underarm, the edge of the areola or in the natural fold under the breast.
- Skin-Sparing Mastectomy
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During a skin-sparing mastectomy, cancerous tissue is removed via a small incision that leaves an “envelope” of skin that can be filled with either an implant or your own tissue. The nipple and areola are not spared, but as much of your breast’s skin as possible is left intact to aid in primary breast reconstruction.
- Oncoplastic Breast-Conserving Surgery
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Breast reconstruction surgery can be done immediately after a mastectomy or lumpectomy or later, depending on your condition and other health factors.
The two most common forms of breast reconstruction are saline breast implants and muscle flap reconstruction, which uses your own tissue. The reconstruction is often done in two stages. In the first stage, a temporary expander is used to stretch your skin over several months prior to placing an implant.
Almost all breast cancer patients can receive some form of oncoplastic surgery to restore the appearance of their breasts, and your breast surgeon will make sure you understand your options.
Caring for You Well After Cancer
When you finish cancer treatment, our goal for you is to transition back to embracing all life has to offer with the people you love. Our Cancer Survivorship Wellness Program is free and open to all cancer survivors who have completed their chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments, regardless of where they received their care.
The 12-week survivorship program schedule includes:
- AdventHealth CREATION Life classes
- Monthly alumni support group sessions
- Nutritional classes
- Support group sessions
- Wellness classes
All classes are held at the AdventHealth Wellness Center Ocala, where, in addition to free classes, program participants receive a complimentary 12-week gym membership.
A Team at the Forefront of Breast Care
Our breast cancer specialists are experienced in responding to the unique needs and challenges of breast cancer patients. They use the latest treatments and techniques to minimize scarring, preserve healthy breast tissue and precisely target tumors. We’re here with you for every step of your breast cancer journey, supporting you with compassionate, whole-person care.
A Nurse Navigator to Guide Your Journey
When there’s a change in your breast health, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer nurse navigators to guide your care. Your nurse navigator will work with your family from diagnosis through recovery, providing treatment education, answering questions, scheduling follow-up appointments and serving as your advocate in making informed decisions.