We use the most advanced methods to detect and treat breast cancer.
At Bayhealth, we provide sophisticated diagnostic technology to test for breast cancer—digital mammography. And if cancer is detected, our special breast cancer multidisciplinary team—including a nurse navigator who guides you every step of the way—can provide you with individualized treatment options, based on national guidelines, that are right for you. And we share the plan with your physicians.
Screenings
Free screenings are available for those who qualify. If you’re uninsured or underinsured call (302) 744-6752 for Kent County or (302) 430-5064 for Sussex County.
Diagnostic Technology
Digital Mammography
Technology that can see through even dense breast tissue provides images that can be magnified and enhanced to get relevant information and detect breast cancer at its earliest stages. Because images can be electronically transmitted, we can share images with other cancer experts quickly and easily.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic energy and radio waves create cross-sectional images or “slices” of the breast to see it in extreme detail.
Breast ultrasound
High-frequency sound waves create images of breast tissue that can be viewed on a screen.
Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration
A very fine, thin needle is inserted into the breast, to retrieve cells and fluid for a thorough examination.
Core needle biopsy
A “core” tissue sample is obtained for analysis. This larger sample can be made into smaller samples for further analysis. Needle biopsies are typically done using local anesthesia.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy
After a small dose of a dye is injected into the breast region where the tumor is located, a small incision (usually one-half inch) is made and the sentinel lymph node(s) are removed. A pathologist examines them under a microscope. Sentinel nodes are typically the first lymph nodes to which breast cancer can potentially spread.
Treatment Options
Radiation Therapies
Image-guided radiation therapy
Using specially designed computer software and 3-D images, highly targeted radiation beams create a treatment pattern to treat breast tumors without harming surrounding healthy tissue.
Partial breast radiation (HDR)
A specialized radiation therapy technique that aims to treat breast cancer in a shorter time frame than standard external beam radiation—10 treatments (“fractions”) delivered twice a day for 5-7 days. Standard external beam radiation typically requires 30-35 daily treatments. A device (such as SAVI,TM Contura,TM or MammositeTM catheter) is placed inside the tumor cavity. A High Dose Rate (HDR) radiation source is placed into channels of the catheter to deliver radiation doses to the tumor cavity.
Surgical Options
Lumpectomy
During this procedure, which typically takes between 15 and 40 minutes, the breast tumor or “lump” is removed along with some of the normal tissue that surrounds it. The amount of the breast that is excised depends on the size of the tumor itself.
Total mastectomy
The breast tissue and the nipple are removed.
Modified radical mastectomy
The breast, most of the lymph nodes under the arm and often the lining over the chest muscles are removed.
Radical mastectomy
The breast, lymph nodes and chest muscles are removed. This is not a commonly performed procedure.
Breast reconstruction
Working with a plastic surgeon, the breast surgeon rebuilds the breast to restore its appearance, to give it the most natural look possible. Great strides have been made in reconstructive surgery so that today women have new and better choices.
Support Groups
Breast cancer support groups offer cancer patients and their families a way to connect and share experiences.