Breast Surgery Procedures & Services
All women, especially those living on Long Island, worry about breast cancer. This year, more than 180,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and over 40,000 will die from the disease. Fortunately, great strides are being made every day to improve techniques to diagnosis and treat breast disease. Physicans are able to pinpoint and treat breast problems using various techniques, including the following:
- Ultrasound guided needle aspirations
- Ultrasound needle core breast biopsies
- Localization and excision of mammographic lesions
- Treatment of nipple discharge and bleeding
Monitoring Your Breast Health
While each woman's breasts are different, each woman's breasts are the same, anatomically. Knowing your own breasts makes it easier to notice any changes that need to be addressed by your healthcare provider. By examining your own breasts you are better equipped to discover potential problems early.
Currently, there are three methods of breast self-examination:
- Clinical Breast Exam - An exam performed by your healthcare provider every 1-3 years between the ages of 20 to 40, annually from there on in.
- Mammography - A safe low-dose xray to create a picture of the breast. It may detect problems that can't be found with clinical exams.
- Breast Self Exam - A breast self exam is an easy way to determine the health of your breasts. It is also a way to discover breast conditions early. BSE should be done, on a regular basis, once a month - even if you are pregnant or nursing.
Leading a Healthier Lifestyle
Committing yourself to a healthier lifestyle now will ensure a healthier future. Making a series of healthy changes, ones that you can follow throughout your lifetime, will help you stay strong and active as you get older.
Some of the healthy changes may prevent or control the symptoms of many common breast conditions and may even help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer:
- Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Limiting the use of salt, caffeine and alcohol
- Exercising several times a week
- Maintaining a stable, healthy weight
- Not smoking
Conditions of the Breast
Most breast conditions are benign, or non-cancerous, causing no serious harm. Yet, all women are at some risk for breast cancer. The risks for developing breast cancer increase, as women become older. If, at any time, you notice breast changes that are not normal, see your healthcare provider immediately.
Some of the various breast conditions are:
- Breast Infection - infections causing redness, warmth, pain or tenderness of the breast.
- Nipple Discharge - discharge may be symptoms of a breast condition. A nipple discharge that is dark or bloody, or that happens without squeezing your nipple, should be checked by your healthcare provider.
- Fibrocystic Changes - benign changes that may cause a thickening in the breasts resulting in pain or tenderness. Sometimes solid or liquid filled lumps may also form.
- Benign Breast Lumps - benign breast lumps come in all shapes, sizes and textures. Have any lump checked by your healthcare provider.
- Breast Cancer - One of the best reasons for doing a breast self-exam (BSE) is to find breast cancer early. Some of the warning signs of breast cancer are:
- A firm lump that feels different from the tissue around it
- A change in skin texture or color
- A dimple, or skin depression, on the breast
- A nipple that becomes pulled in, or retracted
- Bloody discharge from a nipple
- A change is the shape or size of either one of your breasts
Early Detection
With any breast condition, early detection increases the chance that treatment will go well.
Having a clinical exam, with your gynecologist, family doctor, nurse practitioner, or specially trained nurse, ensure that breast conditions are found early. At your exam, ask your healthcare provider to train you in the most effective way to perform a breast self-exam (BSE).
Performing regular breast self-exams (BSE) lets you know what is normal for you. If a problem occurs, you will know it right away. Look for changes in your breasts and your nipples. Starting at the age of 20, do a BSE 7 to 10 days after your menstrual cycle. If you are no longer menstruating, do a BSE on the same date each month.
A mammogram can show changes in a woman's breasts that are too small to feel. It can also diagnose lumps or changes found during a breast exam. Have your first mammogram at age 40, unless otherwise indicated. After that, have a mammogram yearly.
North Shore Surgical Specialists
310 East Shore Road
Suite 203
Great Neck, NY 11023
Tel: (516) 482-8657
Fax: (516) 829-0002