GSI NEWSLETTER
Improved Breast Treatment Options
Update: Breast
Ultrasound
For those individuals with breast lumps
found on examination or by mammogram, breast ultrasound is increasingly playing
a larger role in deciding which individuals should have a biopsy.
At
GSI, a state-of-the-art ultrasound
unit is employed in the office to visualize the underlying breast tissue.
Decisions can then be made as to whether a biopsy should be performed. If a
biopsy is needed, it can often be done immediately, and often utilizing
newer needle biopsy techniques.
The use of office based high tech
equipment, such as breast ultrasound, speeds diagnosis, lowers costs, and adds
to patient convenience. The surgeons at
GSI utilize the latest proven
technologies to bring patients with breast disease the best possible treatment
at the lowest possible costs. These newer diagnosis and treatment tools are
representative of our commitment to excellence in this field.
Update: Breast
Biopsy Procedures
Suspicious breast lumps, can be found on
self- examination, or on a physicians physical examination, or on a mammogram. A
breast biopsy is often recommended to make sure these lumps do harbor a cancer.
Breast biopsy is a mainstay in the early detection of breast cancer.
Newer biopsy techniques, often
eliminating an incision, are now performed by
GSI surgeons.
A mammotome is now available and used by GSI surgeons.
Biopsies using this technique involve the use of 3-Dimensional triangulation of
the breast lesion, combined with special needles that remove a small core
of tissue through a small nick in the skin. Benign lesions can often be
removed completely through an incision only 4 mm in size. An additional
benefit of this technique is that future mammograms do not show the types of
distortion that is often present after traditional open biopsies.
Needle core biopsies
are often done in the office, on patients who do not require mammographic
localization. The ideal lesions for this technique are those that are
palpable or those that are easily seen on ultrasound. These biopsies are
performed with local anesthesia, and require no pre-procedure preparation. This
greatly simplifies scheduling, decreases costs, and speeds diagnosis. A definite
diagnosis is arrived at on a much more timely basis. The result is far less
pain, virtually no recovery time, less cost, and improved choices for
individuals with breast disease.
Update: Breast
Reconstruction
GSI surgeons,
working in concert with the Plastic Surgery Department at IU Medical
Center, now offer breast reconstructive procedures here
in Richmond.
For those patients who require
mastectomy, breast reconstruction is now a local option. A highly trained,
Indiana University plastic surgeon, will see those who desire this option, at
the GSI office.
If reconstruction is decided upon, the surgery is done in Richmond, and
follow-up is provided here as well.
Breast reconstruction done locally, is far
more convenient for both the patient and the patients family. Cooperative
efforts such as these again demonstrate our commitment to delivering, locally,
the highest quality care that can be delivered.
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