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Breast-conserving therapy is an approach to treating breast cancer to preserve as much of the breast as possible. This therapy typically includes two main components: lumpectomy and radiation therapy. Breast-conserving surgery, also known as lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, involves the removal of the tumor along with a small margin of healthy tissue. The procedure aims to preserve the breast’s natural appearance by removing only the affected area.
Following a lumpectomy, radiation therapy is often recommended. This involves directing high-energy rays at the affected breast to target and eliminate any remaining cancer cells. Radiation therapy is typically administered over several weeks, with daily sessions lasting a few minutes each.
The advantages of breast-conserving therapy include its positive impact on the cosmetic outcome, its less invasive nature compared to mastectomy, and a generally shorter recovery time for patients. Eligibility for breast-conserving therapy depends on factors such as the size and location of the tumor, extent of skin involvement, or absence of inflammatory breast cancer. Individualized treatment plans are crucial, and decisions should be made in consultation with healthcare providers.
Oncoplastic Surgery: Thinking Outside the Box…
Oncoplasty represents a significant advancement in the surgical management of breast cancer, blending the principles of oncology with the artistry of plastic surgery. This approach is particularly relevant for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer who may not be traditionally thought of as candidates for breast-conserving surgery due to tumor location or multiple foci of cancers. The overarching goal of oncoplasty is to combine the effective removal of cancerous tissue with immediate breast reconstruction, ensuring that the patient not only survives cancer but also retains a positive body image.
Careful consideration is given to each patient’s unique situation in oncoplastic surgery. This involves assessing factors such as the location and size of the tumor, the patient’s overall health, and the individual anatomy of the breast. The collaborative effort of a multidisciplinary team, including surgical oncologists and plastic surgeons, is integral to the success of oncoplastic procedures. However, at Magnolia Breast Center, you have another option. Dr. Tam Mai is BOTH a surgical oncologist and an oncoplastic surgeon. Making Magnolia Breast Center the only center with oncoplastic trained surgeon.
Dr. Mai’s surgical techniques employed in oncoplasty are diverse and tailored to each patient’s needs. These techniques may include breast reduction, mastopexy (breast lift), and various flap reconstructions. The choice of course is guided by the goal of achieving clear margins during tumor removal while simultaneously optimizing the cosmetic outcome.
One of the primary advantages of oncoplasty is the marked improvement in aesthetics compared to traditional breast-conserving surgeries. By preserving the natural appearance of the breast and addressing issues of symmetry and contour, oncoplastic surgery can positively impact a patient’s psychological well-being and overall quality of life.
It’s necessary to emphasize that oncoplasty is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Patient selection is a meticulous process, and the decision to pursue oncoplastic surgery is made in consideration of the individual’s unique circumstances. The primary focus remains on effective cancer treatment, with the integration of plastic surgery techniques serving to enhance the patient’s physical and emotional well-being.
Combining treatment and reconstruction in the same operation means you only need one surgery. You’ll have a single recovery period, which means less interruption of your life. Operating with reconstruction already planned enables Dr. Mai to remove more tissue surrounding the cancer site, which may help in obtaining the complete removal of the tumor.
For anyone contemplating oncoplasty, a consultation with a medical professional specializing in breast cancer surgery, such as Dr. Tam Mai, is the first step. This ensures a personalized and comprehensive approach to treatment, addressing the journey’s oncologic and cosmetic aspects.
Tam T. Mai, MD, FACS, FSSO
Board Certified Breast Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Tam T. Mai is a board-certified fellowship trained breast surgeon certified by the American Board of Surgery and the Society of Surgical Oncology. She completed her oncoplastic breast surgery training at the University of Southern California, Hoag Breast Fellowship Program, under the world-renowned Dr. Melvin Silverstein a pioneer of oncoplastic breast surgery. This approach utilizes plastic surgery techniques and principles to reshape the breast immediately following breast-conserving surgery for breast cancer to preserve the aesthetics of the breasts.
Before her move to Naples, Dr. Mai served as Medical Director of the Springfield Clinic Breast Health Center, an NAPBC-accredited multidisciplinary breast health center in central Illinois. During this time, she also participated in training the next generation of surgical residents in the General Surgery and Plastics Residency Programs at Southern Illinois University.
Dr. Mai is passionate about practicing evidence-based medicine and bringing high-level breast care to serve patients with breast diseases. She strongly believes in exercise as a treatment to improve overall wellness, breast cancer survival and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
In her free time, Dr. Mai enjoys traveling, cooking, exercising, weight training, yoga, reading, and spending time with her family.
3530 Kraft Rd, Suite 202, Naples, FL 34105
239.758.PINK (7465)
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