While October is traditionally “PINK” month, in support of breast cancer awareness, Dr. Troy Shell thinks PINK every day. As a fellowship trained breast surgeon, Dr. Shell is focused on breast health, and the treatment of breast disease exclusively.
Originally from Virginia Beach, Dr. Shell graduated from Eastern Virginia Medical School, where the program director for her surgical residency was Dr. L.D. Britt – renowned in the field of general surgery, and past president of the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Shell did her fellowship at Emory in Atlanta, and joined Physicians Regional Medical Group in July of 2015. “Physicians Regional Healthcare System is extremely pleased to have Dr. Shell on our team,” said Market CEO Scott Lowe. “Her training, skills and expertise provide a tremendous resource to the women in our area.”
Dr. Shell is a frequent speaker on the topic of breast cancer. “The best protection is early detection,” she tells us. The importance of performing monthly self-breast exams, having regular breast exams by your physician, and getting mammograms cannot be stressed enough.” When asked about guidelines for when women should have mammograms, Dr. Shell said there are conflicting recommendations. “Many breast surgeons follow the recommendations as set forth by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which are “annual mammograms for women beginning at age 40.” While other organizations such as the American Cancer Society have modified their recommendations to begin at age 45, Dr. Shell tells us that she has seen many cancers in women under the age of 45. “Imagine if these women waited until age 45 to have a mammogram? Tumors may be much larger and cancer may have progressed to a higher stage, which could mean less chance for successful treatment.”
Since joining Physicians Regional, Dr. Shell has treated hundreds of women, and has helped bring new treatment options and technology to the health system. Her passion for providing patients with the best diagnostic and treatment technology is just one reason her patients give her high marks.
Earlier this year, Dr. Shell coordinated a trial of a breast localization and surgical guidance system called SAVI SCOUT®. This system is an FDA cleared, non-radioactive approach to targeting breast lesions using micro-impulse radar. It eliminates the need for wires to be implanted into the breast to localize tumors prior to surgery. SAVI SCOUT® uses radar technology to detect a reflector, using a combination of micro-impulse signals and infra-red light.
Following a successful trial of the system, Physicians Regional – Collier Blvd. invested in the technology which has been a huge satisfier for patients. In addition to eliminating the need for wires that protrude from the breast, the radar transmitter can be implanted up to 30 days prior to surgery. Wire locators must be done the same day as surgery, which means patients undergo two procedures the same day.
“My patients have been very pleased with SAVI SCOUT® radar localization,” Dr. Shell tells us. “Especially patients I treat who had a previous tumor where wire localization was used.”
Dr. Shell is an advocate for local organizations that support breast cancer. She is a member of the Susan G. Komen Pink Promise Society, and also supports other local and national organizations that are working to eliminate breast cancer in our lifetime. “I love being involved with organizations whose mission it is to eliminate breast cancer,” she stated.
When not treating patients, Dr. Shell tells us that she loves being outdoors. She enjoys boating, scuba diving, and trying new restaurants. “I’m a big foodie!” she says with a smile. She writes restaurant reviews and enjoys trying new food.
Dr. Shell’s office is located at 8340 Collier Blvd. To schedule an appointment, call (239) 348-4396.