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Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women in the United States. It is also a disease that can affect men. The breasts sit on the chest muscles that cover the ribs. Each breast is made of 15 to 20 lobes. Lobes contain many smaller lobules. Lobules contain groups of tiny glands that can produce milk. Milk flows from the lobules through thin tubes called ducts to the nipple. The nipple is in the center of a dark area of skin called the areola. Fat fills the spaces between the lobules and ducts.
The breasts also contain lymph vessels. These vessels lead to small, round organs called lymph nodes. Groups of lymph nodes are near the breast in the axilla (underarm), above the collarbone, in the chest behind the breastbone, and in many other parts of the body. The lymph nodes trap bacteria, cancer cells or other harmful substances.
Here are a few of the breast cancer diagnosis and treatment options available through Sentara Cancer Network:
 Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging
Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging images the metabolic activity of breast lesions using The Dilon 6800 Gamma camera. The high-resolution camera creates pictures so doctors can see cancers as small as 3 millimeters.
Stereotactic Guided Breast Biopsy
This alternative to surgical biopsy uses an image-guided needle to quickly extract tissue that can be examined and evaluated under a microscope by a pathologist.
Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsy
This alternative to surgical biopsy uses an ultrasound image-guided needle to quickly extract tissue that can be examined and evaluated under a microscope by a pathologist.
MRI Guided Breast Biopsy
This alternative to surgical biopsy uses an MRI image-guided needle to quickly extract tissue that can be examined and evaluated under a microscope by a pathologist.
Galactography
This procedure combines mammography with a contrast material, galacatograms provide digital images of the inside of the breast's milk duct.
Intraoperative Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (Intra Beam)
It is a complete system to deliver Intra-operative, or post-operative radiation therapy directly into tumors or tumor cavities. Sentara is participating in a national clinical trial.
External Beam Radiation Therapy or IORT for breast cancer
This is a method for delivering a beam of high-energy x-rays to the location of the patient's tumor. These x-rays can destroy the cancer cells and careful treatment planning allows the surrounding normal tissues to be spared.
Brachytherapy/Radioactive Seed Implant Therapy
Brachytherapy is a form of radiotherapy where a radioactive source is placed inside or next to the area requiring treatment. MammoSite® is a type of brachytherapy.
For more information about screening, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer at Sentara, please visit the Breast Imaging Section .
For more information on breast cancer and treatment, visit the National Cancer Institute site.
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