By Randall Kenneth Jones
Most of us have been touched by a friend or loved one with breast health issues.
As a caring friend or family member, we must also understand that a woman with a breast concern is vulnerable and needs a little bit of extra attention and kindness.
Those in Naples and on Marco Island are lucky to have convenient high-quality, technologically advanced compassionate care to address these sensitive situations: the Comprehensive Breast Center at Physicians Regional-Collier Boulevard.
At the helm of Physicians Regional’s Comprehensive Breast Center is fellowship-trained breast surgeon, Dr. Troy Shell: “We see patients with all sorts of breast concerns, such as a family history or those considered high risk for breast cancer. Other issues include breast pain, nipple discharge or the discovery of a breast mass.”
Dr. Shell is the only fellowship-trained breast surgeon in Collier County—an accreditation that can only be obtained by additional intensive focus on all aspects of breast-health surgical and medical procedures.
As for the term “comprehensive,” Dr. Shell explains: “Patients truly do get an all-inclusive experience when they come in. We have a breast health navigator on staff who provides a lot of additional one-on-one time with breast patients. We also have the ability to perform ultrasound procedures—including biopsies—right here in the office.”
One of the newest technological advances in women’s health is 3D mammography—a breakthrough technology available to patients at the Comprehensive Breast Center at Physicians Regional.
To explain: conventional 2D mammograms require physicians to evaluate breast concerns using a 2D image. This can be limiting due to overlapping layers of tissue. What’s more, a 2D mammogram can sometimes produce unclear results, false alarms, or—the worst-case scenario—cancer being missed.
3D technology, called tomosynthesis, provides three-dimensional images of the breast by using a technology similar to CT scans. These enhanced exams deliver a series of remarkably detailed breast images.
“3D mammography enables a radiologist to see so much more. We don’t just see a flat picture of a breast, we see a ‘movie’ of the tissues, layer by layer,” says Dr. Shell. This increased accuracy means better breast cancer detection and a reduced chance of being called back for additional mammographic views.
When it comes to breast health—and more specifically the need for surgical intervention—Dr. Shell explains: “Things really have changed, even from just 10 or 15 years ago. There was a time when a woman with a breast mass would go directly to the operating room. At the Comprehensive Breast Center, that is not out goal. We want to get an accurate diagnosis before determining a course of action. 3D mammography has proven itself to be an extraordinary tool for the diagnosis and treatment of breast-related health issues.”
The Comprehensive Breast Center is located in the Regional Medical Arts Building at Physicians Regional-Collier Boulevard, 8340 Collier Boulevard, Suite 202, Naples, FL 34114.
Patients should call 239-348-4396 for more information or to schedule an appointment.