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Treatments for Breast Cancer

There are 5 basic types of treatments for breast cancer. Read about surgery types, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted biologic therapies, and follow-up therapies, such as hormone suppression.
DVS – Dose Verification System for Prevention of Radiation Burns
A tiny implanted dosimeter can help prevent excess radiation to your breast, saving you from burns and preserving healthy tissue. It is part of the DVS – Dose Verification System. Learn how this technology can benefit you, if you're having radiation therapy for breast cancer.
Overview of Breast Cancer Treatment Options
After your breast cancer has been diagnosed, your healthcare team will recommend treatment. There are four standard treatment options for breast cancer: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal therapy. Learn about each one, and how a decision on which is right for you is made.
Balloon Catheter Radiation - Accelerated Partial Breast Radiation
External beam radiation for breast cancer treatment usually takes 5 to 7 weeks. A new kind of brachytherapy (internal beam radiation) takes only 5 to 7 days, with great effectiveness and fewer side effects. Read about balloon catheter radiation and how it may benefit you.
Opting Out of Breast Cancer Treatment
You might think that if you were diagnosed with breast cancer, then the first course of action would be to determine your treatment options and get started right away. But for some patients, the treatment of choice may be no treatment at all. Learn about decision-making and alternative therapies.
How does Radiation Work on Breast Cancer?
Cancer cells grow and divide much more quickly than healthy cells, and their internal functions are not well organized. This makes them more susceptible to damage from radiation treatment, and therefore less able to repair themselves and recover. There are two methods of radiation treatment, and some side effects you should know about.
Breast Cancer Theraputic Surgery Options
What kinds of surgery are used to treat breast cancer? What is a lumpectomy, a quandrantectomy, or a mastectomy? Read an overview of three kinds of therapeutic breast surgery. Choose an experienced surgeon, and do your homework on health insurance before having surgery.
Chemotherapy Infusion - How a Chemotherapy Infusion is Given for Breast Cancer
How is a chemotherapy infusion for breast cancer given? What tests are done before and after each infusion? Here's a quick description of the infusion method, and a tip for keeping track of side effects.
Breast Cancer Treatment During Pregnancy
Breast cancer can be safely treated during pregnancy. Surgery and chemotherapy can be done during the last six months of a pregnancy, but be sure you know the risks and discuss your options with your health care team. Radiation and hormone treatment can be given after birth, to prevent recurrence.
Breast Cancer Surgery Myth: Surgery Spreads Cancer
If my surgeon cuts into the tumor, instead of around it, won't that spread the cancer? Is surgery for breast cancer really helpful?
Breast Reconstruction after Cancer Surgery
What are the most common plastic surgery procedures for reconstruction after surgery for breast cancer? Are you a good candidate for reconstruction? See how reconstruction takes place, from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
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