What You Need to Know About Dense Breasts and Why it’s Important

15 Feb 2023 in

Have you ever had a mammogram and received the report from your radiologist with the words “dense breast tissue” written in the summary? If you were confused by this, you’re not alone.

Dense breast tissue is a significant risk factor for breast cancer. So much so that many states, including California, now require that all women who have dense breasts be informed of this either by letter or on their mammogram report.

Breast Implants, Breast Cancer & Mammograms

09 Oct 2016 in

One of the biggest questions women ask when getting breast implants is, “Will breast implants raise my risk of breast cancer?” Fortunately, the answer is no. The chance of a woman developing breast cancer because of her breast implants is negligible. Until very recently, doctors believed the odds were actually zero, which is why the FDA declared them safe and effective in 2006. However, recent studies suggest they may play a small role in a very rare type of cancer known as anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL).

Research Points to Benefits of 3D Mammography

25 Feb 2016 in

Digital tomosynthesis, or 3D mammography, has emerged as an effective breast imaging tool. 3D mammography combines conventional 2-dimensional mammogram images with additional 3-dimensional views. This enables enhanced views of breast tissue and research suggests 3D mammography offers several benefits over conventional 2D mammography.

Developments in Multi-Gene Panel Tests for Breast Cancer

09 Feb 2016 in

Numerous genetic mutations are linked to increased risk for breast cancer. Genetic testing can identify these mutations and guide patient management decisions. Over the past decade, multi-gene panel tests have gained traction in clinical settings. These evaluate up to 43 breast cancer-related genes, compared with limited BRCA 1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) tests.

Breastlink Partners with Researchers to Explore Atezolizumab in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Patients

09 Oct 2015 in

Breastlink has partnered with researchers to explore an investigational cancer immunotherapy called atezolizumab (MPDL3280A) in the treatment of metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. In early-stage trials, atezolizmab was effective in patients previously treated for triple-negative breast cancer. A new trial will investigate atezolizumab with chemotherapy in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer patients who have not received prior systemic therapy for incurable disease.

Addressing Some Questions About Breast Cancer

05 Oct 2015 in

Over the years, the medical community has learned a lot more about how we can prevent breast cancer. As a breast-dedicated surgeon, I would be happy to just help prevent breast cancer and never have to perform another surgery. By learning more about risk factors, you choose a screening routine and take preventative therapies to reduce risk and enable early detection of breast cancer.

Are there any medications that reduce breast cancer risk?

Breast Cancer Detection

31 Aug 2015 in

Learning about breast cancer detection can potentially save your life. Early detection of breast cancer provides the best chance for optimal treatment outcomes. For the last several decades, breast cancer awareness initiatives have helped to reduce deaths from breast cancer. To ensure breast cancer patients receive appropriate care, educational efforts on breast cancer detection continue to remain relevant.

Breast Biopsy Results Not Always Accurate

08 Apr 2015 in

The results from a recent breast biopsy study reinforce the importance pathologists play in the management of breast diseases. Oncologists can have all the greatest tools at their disposal, but without an accurate diagnosis, these tools can be rendered useless.

A new study, published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), provides further evidence towards this inclination. The March 2015 study suggests that pathologist frequently disagree on some high-risk breast lesions.