Breast Disease

Breast Disease, Breast Biopsy & Breast Surgery

Breast Cancer, High Risk and Benign Disease of the Breast

Capital Surgeons Group brings years of experience and expertise in the management of breast disease, including the diagnosis and treatment of patients with high-risk or benign breast conditions that require long-term follow-up. Patients diagnosed with breast cancer will find a multidisciplinary approach in which our surgeons will work closely with your primary care physician, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, and plastic surgeon to develop a personalized approach using the latest surgical techniques to ensure successful treatment and a quick recovery. Genetic testing and referral for advanced imaging, such as MRI of the breast, will also be performed as this will impact the best choice for surgical treatment.

Our surgeons want you to understand your options so that together, an informed decision can be made. They will also offer education on risk reduction strategies such as diet, exercise, and weight loss, which have been shown to lower the risk of breast cancer recurrence and improve overall survival.

Capital Surgeons Group extends its expertise to the management of benign breast disease as well as breast cancer, employing the latest techniques and treatment options available in this specialized field.

Breast Disease, Biopsy, and Surgical Procedures

Learn about breast diseases, biopsies, and surgical procedures, and gain understanding about the various types of breast cancer treatment options available.

In-Office Minimally Invasive Breast Biopsy

At Capital Surgeons Group, we offer a convenient and minimally invasive approach to evaluating breast lumps and determining the need for further treatment. Our experienced surgeons perform cyst aspirations and core needle biopsies. These procedures require a small incision, approximately the size of a pencil eraser, and allow most patients to resume their normal activities quickly. Core needle biopsies provide results as accurate as open surgical biopsies, ensuring that you receive the most precise diagnostic information. Capital Surgeons Group utilizes advanced imaging techniques, such as mammography and ultrasonography, to pinpoint and biopsy abnormalities within the breast that may be too small to detect during a physical examination. These procedures are performed under local anesthesia, minimizing discomfort, and pathology results are typically available within 24 hours.

Partial Mastectomy (Lumpectomy)

At Capital Surgeons Group, our experienced and expert team prioritizes breast-conserving surgery whenever feasible, ensuring the preservation of your breast tissue. We stay abreast of the latest advancements in breast cancer treatment and surveillance, providing comprehensive care tailored to your specific needs. Our surgeons will work closely with you and your primary care physician to establish a dedicated team of breast cancer specialists, carefully coordinating your care plan to minimize the physical and emotional impact of the disease. To further enhance your convenience, we offer outpatient surgical procedures, allowing you to return home on the same day.

Our commitment to patient-centered care extends beyond our own expertise. We collaborate closely with your local medical and radiation oncologists, forming a cohesive breast cancer team. Together, we will present you with the most suitable treatment options, personalizing your breast cancer journey to minimize its physical and emotional impact.

5-Day Targeted Radiation Catheter Placement for Partial Mastectomy Patients (APBI, SAVI Catheter)

Partial breast irradiation, also known as APBI, delivers radiation from within the lumpectomy cavity, the space that remains after the tumor is removed. By delivering radiation directly to the tissue surrounding the cavity, where the cancer is most likely to recur, this therapy takes only five days instead of the traditional four to six weeks. Our surgeons are experts in coordinating this treatment with your radiation oncologist to ensure seamless care.

Preserving the breast typically requires radiation therapy to the breast, which can involve daily treatment for 4-6 weeks. However, accelerated partial breast irradiation or targeted radiation delivers the radiation directly from within the lumpectomy cavity, reducing the treatment duration to 10 treatments over 5 days. Our surgeons are well-versed in this technique and can coordinate this treatment with your radiation oncologist when appropriate. They can also place the required catheter in the breast as an office procedure.

Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsy

At Capital Surgeons Group, we utilize advanced imaging techniques, including mammography and ultrasonography, to detect and biopsy abnormalities within the breast that are too small to be felt during a physical examination. These minimally invasive procedures are performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia, allowing most women to resume their normal activities and work the following day. Pathology results are typically available within 24 hours, providing timely information for further treatment decisions.

Sentinel Node Biopsy of the Axilla

For the majority of breast cancers, whether treated with lumpectomy or mastectomy, lymph node removal in the axilla (underarm) is a crucial step in staging the cancer, determining the extent of its spread, and guiding subsequent treatment decisions, such as chemotherapy. Our surgeons employ advanced techniques to identify the sentinel node, the first lymph node to which cancer cells would spread if they were to move beyond the breast. By removing only a limited number of sentinel lymph nodes, we can minimize the risk of lymphedema, a condition that causes swelling and discomfort in the arm. This minimally invasive approach also reduces the need for a surgical drain, promotes faster recovery, and all without compromising the quality of care we provide to our patients.

Our surgeons are highly trained in sentinel node biopsy techniques, enabling them to avoid the more invasive standard axillary lymph node dissection, which involves removing a larger group of lymph nodes. By meticulously identifying and removing only the sentinel lymph nodes, we can still gather valuable information for staging the cancer and determining the most appropriate course of treatment for each patient.

Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy, Skin Sparing Mastectomy and Flat Closure Options

While lumpectomy offers similar survival rates as mastectomy for breast cancer treatment, mastectomy remains a viable option for some patients. At Capital Surgeons Group, our surgeons understand the personal and cosmetic considerations involved in this decision and are committed to guiding you through the process. We work closely with local plastic surgeons to optimize the cosmetic outcomes of the surgery and coordinate immediate breast reconstruction whenever possible.

For patients seeking to preserve their natural appearance, we employ techniques such as skin-sparing mastectomies, which preserve the skin and nipple of the breast. This approach is particularly beneficial for patients undergoing preventive mastectomies due to a high risk of breast cancer, such as those carrying the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes.

In cases where immediate breast reconstruction is not an option, our surgeons employ flat closure techniques to create a smooth and natural-looking breast contour. This approach allows patients to maintain a sense of balance and symmetry without the need for further reconstructive procedures.

Whether you choose nipple-sparing mastectomy, skin-sparing mastectomy, or flat closure, our surgeons are dedicated to providing you with personalized care that prioritizes your comfort, well-being, and cosmetic preferences.

Appropriate Treatment

Capital Surgeons Group recognizes that not every biopsy, surgery, or treatment is suitable for every breast lump or cancer type. As with all medical cancer treatment, we believe in empowering patients to make informed decisions by thoroughly discussing their options and carefully weighing the risks and benefits of each approach. Our surgeons will work closely with you and all the specialists involved in your care to craft a personalized breast cancer treatment plan that aligns with your unique needs and preferences. We are committed to providing comprehensive care, including long-term follow-up support, to ensure your ongoing health and well-being..