Breast
Cancer
We deliver prompt, personalized care for all aspects of breast heath.
Learning you have breast cancer can come as a shock. When you turn to the Cancer Network of West Michigan, you receive services from a team that cares about you as an individual.
We offer more of the treatments you need to reclaim your health and peace of mind. Our commitment to excellence helps patients receive the best care possible.
Nationally Recognized Breast Cancer Services in West Michigan
Cancer Network breast cancer experts deliver outstanding care. Our commitment to high-quality services has earned many of our locations prestigious recognition from the:
• American College of Radiology
• National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC®)
• National Quality Measures for Breast Centers® (NQMBC)
Breast Cancer Treatment Through the Cancer Network: Why Choose Us?
The Cancer Network brings together the expertise of cancer specialists at Mercy Health and University of Michigan Health-West. These organizations have been serving our community for decades. They work alongside acclaimed experts from University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center to deliver a level of care you might not expect to find so close to home.
It is recommended that women at average risk for breast cancer complete a self-breast exam monthly, a clinical exam annually, and an annual 3D screening mammogram. If you have a family history of breast cancer, genetic mutation, or dense breast you may have an increased risk of breast cancer and need to be seen in our high-risk breast clinic.
Breast cancer symptoms may include:
- Swelling in breast
- Lump in the armpit
- Nipples that pull inward
- Nipple discharge that is not breast milk and may include blood
- Changes in the size or shape of your breast
- Breast skin that has dimples or is flaky
- Purple or red skin
If you experience any of the symptoms above or any changes in your breasts during a self-breast exam, a diagnostic workup is recommended. This may include one or more of the following tests:
- Diagnostic mammogram: Using 3D mammography we take X-rays of your breast from multiple angles.
- Ultrasound: This technology uses soundwaves to obtain images of tissue inside the breast.
- MRI and AB-MRI: Using radio waves and a magnetic field, we produce images of breast tissue that are more detailed than a mammogram or ultrasound.
- Biopsy: Doctors take a tissue sample using a needle. We examine it under a microscope to confirm or rule out cancer, or to diagnose other benign breast conditions.
Breast cancer treatment may include:
- Preventive mastectomy: These services are for people with a high breast cancer risk due to genetics. Treatment includes removing both breasts to help you avoid a cancer diagnosis.
- Lumpectomy: For smaller, early-stage cancers, breast surgeons use a localized minimally invasive breast-conserving approach to remove the affected area of the breast and a rim of nearby healthy tissue.
- Mastectomy: If the cancer is advanced or a tumor is large, it may be necessary to remove the entire breast.
- Nipple-sparing mastectomies: The surgeon removes all of the breast tissue but keeps the nipple and darker skin around the nipple in place.
- Hidden scar approach: The surgeon places your scar in a hard-to-see area so there is little to no visible scar after surgery.
- Neoadjuvant chemotherapy: Prior to surgery your doctor may recommend this therapy to shrink the breast tumor to provide you with more surgical options.
- Medical oncology and chemotherapy: These treatments include anticancer drugs and other substances that slow abnormal cell growth. You receive therapy in peaceful infusion suites while sitting in a comfortable chair.
- Reconstructive surgery: Plastic and reconstructive surgeons restore breast fullness and evenness (symmetry) using a variety of reconstructive techniques.
- Radiation therapy: We use different forms of radiation to deliver focused treatments that destroy cancer cells’ ability to multiply.
Cancer Network services are available at several locations across West Michigan. Each facility represents the full strength, compassion and expertise we have to offer. Our integrated approach makes it easier to receive care where you’re most comfortable — near home and loved ones.
