Treatment of Benign Breast Diseases
Breast tenderness and painful breast swelling are usually harmless and the consequence of a hormonal dysbalance during the fertile years. They can, however, also be a sign of breast inflammation or of another potentially harmful disease. At Breast & Health we can help you to find the underlying cause of your symptoms and to develop an individualized treatment plan.
Personal Breast Cancer Risk Assessment
Depending on inherited risks and the adopted life-style, every female has an individual risk to develop breast cancer. We help you to determine your personal cancer risk and also provide you with useful tips on how to lower your risk profile.
Breast Cancer Early Detection Programme
Early detection and an exact diagnosis are essential in order to offer optimal breast cancer treatment and to improve a patient´s chances for complete cure. We offer programs for the early breast cancer detection and advice that is custom-tailored to fit your individual needs.
Rapid Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
We know how burdening the uncertainty can be whether a recently detected breast lump is malignant or not. While mammography and ultrasound can give you a fairly good idea about the dignity of a breast tumor, only a biopsy can ultimately confirm the diagnosis. We offer with on-the-spot core biopsies and a histological report within 24 hours.
Molecular Analysis of Breast Cancer
No two breast cancers are alike. While some tumors grow aggressively and result in an increased risk of cancer recurrence even after many years, other tumors are considerably less dangerous. A special examination that is performed breast cancer tissue enables us to identify those women whose tumors are less aggressive and for whom chemotherapy does not offer an additional benefit. This knowledge allows us to spare women from chemotherapy and its side effects.
Breast Cancer Surgery
Breast cancer surgery includes the complete removal of malignant tissue and of lymph nodes from the adjacent axilla. At Breast & Health we always aim at minimally invasive surgical procedures in order to avoid scar formation and to minimize tissue defects. Modern operative techniques are now allowing us to preserve the diseased breast in almost all cases. The removal of a »sentinel« lymph node enables us to preserve the lymph drainage of the arm and to avoid the swelling of the affected upper extremity (»lymphedema«).
Endocrine Therapy
The growth of most malignant breast tumors is stimulated by female sex hormones. An antihormonal (»endocrine«) treatment, which is usually prescribed for several years, can effectively avoid the re-appearance of breast cancer. Endocrine therapy is administered through tablets or injections.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is not always necessary. By using a specific examination of tumor tissue we can now identify those women for whom chemotherapy does not offer an additional benefit (see also »Molecular Analysis of Breast Cancer«). If, however, chemotherapy is helpful and necessary, it can be administered in our center. Recently, a number of chemotherapies have been developed which can be taken as tablets.
Antibody Therapy
Some tumor cells carry specific properties on their surface that make them targets for antibody therapy. If this is the case, a single infusion, applied every 3 weeks over a period of 1 year can profoundly lower the risk for breast cancer recurrence.
Tumor Irradiation
Tumor irradiation results in a local destruction of tumor cells by ionizing irradiation. Patients in whom such a therapy is indicated will be referred to radiotherapy centers that work together with Breast & Health.
Oncoplastic Surgery
Oncoplastic surgery stands for surgical procedures that allow the safe removal of tumor tissue and the creation of an esthetic breast appearance despite very large tumors or tumors with an unfavourable localization. If needed, oncoplastic operations are performed together with a surgeon certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Aesthetic Surgery
Asymmetric breasts (»uneven breasts«), sagging breasts, or too small breasts can severely affect the perception of the own body. But not only aesthetic considerations lead to corrective breast surgery: Back pain or recurrent breast inflammation from too large breasts can be an indication. All cosmetic breast procedures are performed together with a surgeon certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Psychological Counselling
Cancer does not only affect the body – the soul also suffers. The psychological stress during cancer treatment and the uncertainty regarding the possible re-appearance of cancer often lead to fears and depression. We therefore offer psychological help and counselling by a experienced psychooncologist.
Complementary Treatments
We understand that the comprehensive treatment of women who suffer from breast cancer has to encompass more than just the mere prescription of anticancer drugs. We acknowledge the importance of Homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture in breast cancer treatment and thus offer a number of complementary therapies that are aimed at supporting conventional cancer therapies.
Supportive Therapy
In collaboration with Privatklinik Döbling we offer supportive therapies such as physiotherapy, dietary consultations, effective treatment of tumor-associated pain and a bandagist service. We can also put you in contact with breast cancer awareness groups and hospitals that have concentrated on the rehabilitation of breast cancer patients.
Breast Cancer Follow-up Program
The detection of recurrent breast cancer in the operation scar or in other in other organs is the main reason for breast cancer follow-up programs. This can only be achieved by regular control visits. We offer a tumor follow-up program that is recommended by Austrian cancer societies.
Clinical Trials
Breast & Health works together with premier research institutions such as the Medical University of Vienna in Vienna, Austria or the School of Public Health at Harvard University in Boston, United States. This close collaboration enables us to have access to the most modern breast cancer drugs and to a number of international clinical trials. Please contact Breast & Health if you want to participate in a clinical trial.