Breast Cancer Care in Kansas City

A family history of breast or ovarian cancer may increase your risk for developing cancer. The AdventHealth Breast Center Shawnee Mission, in collaboration with the AdventHealth Cancer Institute Shawnee Mission, offers genetic counseling to help you figure out the connection between your family's genes and your risk of a disease. The counselor gets facts about your family and your health. Testing can be the next step. It could help you understand your own situation and make decisions to reduce the chance or getting cancer.

For more information on the hereditary risk of breast cancer, call one of our genetic counselors at Call913-632-9162.

Eight to 10 percent of women get called back for further testing after a mammogram. Don't be alarmed if this happens. If this is the case, one of our nurse navigators will call you to explain what is recommended and help you schedule the test(s).

Nurse navigators in the Breast Center are Registered Nurses who have special training in breast health. They are available to answer your questions and help "navigate" you through the sometimes confusing and complicated health care system. They will assure that you receive excellent care in a timely manner.

If an abnormality is found, the radiologist will likely recommend additional imaging tests which may include one or more of the tests listed below. It is important to note that most of the time the additional imaging demonstrates no evidence of cancer and a biopsy is not needed. Of that small minority of patients who require a biopsy, on average only 20-40% of those biopsies provide a malignant result.

Diagnostic Mammogram

Unlike a screening mammogram that images your entire breast, a diagnostic mammogram focuses on a specific area(s) in your breast that the radiologist wants to look at more closely. The radiologist will view your images while you are here and you will be given the results before you leave.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is an imaging test that sends high frequency sound waves through your breast and converts them into images on a viewing screen. The ultrasound technologist places a sound-emitting probe on the breast to conduct the test. There is no radiation involved.

Ultrasound is not used on its own as a screening test for breast cancer. Rather, it is used to complement other screening tests. If an abnormality is solid (such as a benign fibroadenoma or cancer) or fluid-filled (such as a benign cyst). It cannot determine whether a solid lump is cancerous, nor can it detect calcifications.

Breast MRI

MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a technology that uses magnets and radio waves to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the inside of the body. MRI does not use X-rays, so it does not involve any radiation exposure.

Breast MRI has a number of different uses for breast cancer, including:

• Screening high-risk women (women known to be at a higher risk than average risk for breast cancer, either because of a strong family history or a gene abnormality)
• Gathering more information about an area of suspicion found on a mammogram or ultrasound
• Monitoring for recurrence after treatment

A biopsy is the removal of breast tissue that is then examined under a microscope by a pathologist. It's important to remember that just because your radiologist requested a biopsy, it does not mean you have breast cancer. In fact, most biopsy results are not cancer.

The Breast Center utilizes several methods of needle biopsy, and your radiologist will determine the best method for you. Because the area of the breast is numbed with local anesthesia, biopsies are relatively painless, and you get to go home shortly after the procedure.

Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy

If an abnormal breast mass is detected on the breast ultrasound or a breast lump is found, a radiologist can use ultrasound guidance to pinpoint the mass and take samples for further study. There are two methods of ultrasound-guided breast biopsy. In one method, called a core needle biopsy, samples are collected by way of a spring-loaded biopsy needle. Another method, a vacuum-assisted biopsy, applies vacuum pressure to pull tissue from the breast through the needle into the sampling chamber.

MRI-Guided Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses powerful magnetic fields and advanced computer technology to produce specific images of the breast. Using MRI guidance to pinpoint the mass, vacuum pressure is used to pull tissue from the breast through the needle into the sample chamber.

Stereotactic Biopsy

Much like an MRI or ultrasound-guided biopsy, a stereotactic breast biopsy relies on special imaging to place the biopsy needle at precisely the site of the abnormality. In this case, a specialized mammography machine, similar to the mammography unit used for diagnostic screening, is used. X-rays are taken from different angles to help guide the radiologist's instruments to the site. Using a vacuum-assisted device, samples are obtained and sent to a pathologist for diagnosis.

Surgical/Incisional Breast Biopsy

Most breast biopsies are done with special needles using image guidance as described above. Sometimes a needle biopsy is not possible due to the location of the suspicious area in the breast or other factors. In these cases the biopsy is done by a surgeon in an operating room. Before surgery, a seed-localization procedure is usually done if the abnormal area in the breast was first detected on imaging tests (such as mammogram) and cannot be felt. The surgeon will use local anesthetic to numb the area that will be biopsied and you will also get IV sedation (rather than general anesthesia). These procedures are done in an outpatient setting and you will go home the same day.

Surgery is usually the first line of attack against breast cancer. Your surgeon will discuss with you the best surgical option for your diagnosis. Decisions about surgery depend on many factors. You and your doctor will determine the kind of surgery that's most appropriate for you based on the stage of the cancer, the characteristics of the cancer cells and what is acceptable to you in terms of your long-term peace of mind.

AdventHealth Cancer Institute Shawnee Mission

There are 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. today. What does that mean for you? It means you have more treatment options today than ever before. It means your chances of survival are better than ever before. It means there is hope.

At AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, you can expect a quick, yet comprehensive approach to your breast cancer treatment. Shortly after your diagnosis, information about your breast cancer diagnosis will be reviewed at a weekly Breast Cancer Conference, where a multidisciplinary team of physicians meets to study each case in depth, from pathology reports to whole health issues and beyond. Your physician will then meet with you to discuss your options for treatment and establish a plan of action.

For more information about the AdventHealth Cancer Institute Shawnee Mission, call Call913-632-9100.

The breast cancer experience doesn't end with treatment. Quality-of-life issues, including physical, psychological, social and spiritual challenges often accompany a diagnosis of breast cancer. The AdventHealth Breast Center Shawnee Mission offers help in addressing these issues through a variety of programs.

Cancer Rehabilitation

Physical therapy during, and following, cancer treatment promotes physical function, decreases fatigue and increases psychological well-being. Our Cancer Rehabilitation Program offers survivors one-on-one treatment with a licensed physical therapist who specializes in oncology rehabilitation.

Physical and occupational therapists are also available to treat lymphedema, a type of swelling of the arm, trunk or breast that may occur after treatment for breast cancer.

For more information, call Therapy Specialties at Call913-676-2444.

Naturopathic Care

When it comes to comfort and healing, some cancer survivors desire more than conventional medicine has to offer. At AdventHealth Whole Health Institute, Megan Schlick, ND, applies a whole-person approach to care, recognizing the roles the mind, body and spirit have in health and healing. Integrating the knowledge of conventional Western medicine with complementary therapies is the focus. Achieving your optimum well-being is the goal.

For more information AdventHealth Whole Health Institute, call Call913-632-3550.

Camp Bluebird

Camp Bluebird is a special retreat for adults 18 and older who have been diagnosed with cancer. Held twice a year in the scenic rolling hills near Parkville, MO., the three-day, two-night getaway offers fun, fellowship, education and networking with fellow cancer survivors. Highlights include horseback rides, massages, themed parties, crafts and hot meals daily.

Counselors are members of the AdventHealth Cancer Institute Shawnee Mission team and its affiliates. Physicians, chaplains, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, care associates and volunteers are on hand to offer support and information.

Learn more about Camp Bluebird by calling Call913-676-8191 or emailing questions to [email protected].