No one wants to hear that they have breast cancer. However, if your breast tissue has developed signs of cancer, it’s better to know earlier than later. Early detection of breast cancer means that you can take charge of your treatment, taking the right steps to protect your health and wellness. Even after receiving a dreaded breast cancer diagnosis, it’s not over. You still have choices to make and reasons to hope for the best.
At Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin, board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Mary Grace Bridges screens for breast cancer and provides treatments and therapies to address this all-too-common condition. Dr. Bridges specializes in breast surgery to remove cancer. She sees new and existing patients from her locations in Odessa and Midland, Texas.
What are your options for breast cancer treatment, and what choices do you need to consider after receiving the diagnosis? In this blog, we outline some of your potential next steps.
While breast cancer is a frightening diagnosis, this is a common cancer in women. Dr. Bridges has extensive experience in supporting breast cancer patients. You’re not alone in your treatment journey.
Treatment for breast cancer depends on the stage of the disease’s progression when discovered. Early detection gives you access to the most options.
Due to the importance of early detection, Dr. Bridges screens for breast cancer, providing genetic testing to let you know if you’re at risk. She performs breast exams at your well-woman visits and encourages you to routinely self-examine for lumps or irregularities in your breasts, as well. To confirm the presence of breast cancer, Dr. Bridges sends a sample of any concerning breast tissue to a lab for biopsy.
The primary treatment used to respond to the presence of malignant breast cancer tumors is breast surgery. You may also decide on a preventive breast surgery procedure if you have strong reasons to believe that you may be at heightened risk for breast cancer, such as genetic testing results.
In your breast surgery procedure, Dr. Bridges surgically removes all cells affected by cancer. She can perform a breast-conserving surgery, removing only the necessary tissue to ensure that you’re safe from breast cancer. If you pursue this treatment path, you’ll also need radiation therapy.
Or, you may choose a full mastectomy procedure, removing your entire affected breast and surrounding tissue. Breast reconstructive surgery is an option for you after a mastectomy.
You may also need systemic anti-cancer treatment with chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, or other targeted drug therapies. Talk to Dr. Bridges about your breast cancer treatment plan, and a custom approach to becoming cancer-free. It’s also a good idea to discuss alternative approaches like special diets or vitamins with Dr. Bridges to ensure that you receive effective breast cancer treatment.
To learn more about the treatments available for breast cancer, consult with Dr. Bridges at Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin today. Schedule your appointment online or over the phone now.
