We are a surgical oncology practice specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and
all breast related disorders. Our mission is to screen for and detect breast cancer as early and
efficiently as possible. We evaluate all patients thoroughly with an in-depth medical history, a
complete breast exam, and utilization of the most advanced, minimally invasive biopsy techniques
when indicated. We then provide individualized, patient appropriate management as outlined by the
nccn guidelines for breast care. Fortunately, most of our patients will be managed for benign
disorders. For those facing the diagnosis of breast cancer, we offer superior state-of-the-art
surgical care in a compassionate and comfortable environment.
Keywords
Mammography,
Breast Surgery,
Breast Imaging.
Reviews
This listing was not reviewed yet:
Your review for Georgia Breast Care
Opening hours
Payment Options
American Express
,
Visa
,
Cash
,
Check
,
Discover
,
MasterCard
With an understanding that being a top-notch surgeon requires both surgical expertise as well as a healthy dose of compassion, highly-skilled breast surgeon Rhonda Wachsmuth, MD, is a well-loved and valuable member of the team at Georgia Breast Care in Woodstock, Georgia. She is dedicated to providing her patients with advanced surgical techniques for a range of breast-related conditions in a compassionate and understanding manner.
A native of Virginia, Dr. Wachsmuth earned her bachelor’s degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) in Blacksburg, Virginia, before moving on to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston for medical school. She then completed a residency in general surgery at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she served as chief resident. After her training, Dr. Wachsmuth built up extensive experience as a surgeon specializing in the treatment of all breast-related disorders, both in practice and as a faculty member at Carolinas College of Health Sciences. She joined Georgia Breast Care in 2013 and has become an integral member of the team.
Dr. Wachsmuth is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, American Society of General Surgeons, and the Medical Association of Georgia. She lives in Cartersville, Georgia, with her husband and two children.
Karen Buhariwalla, DO, is an experienced breast surgeon at Georgia Breast Care in Woodstock, Georgia. Originally from Florida, Dr. Buhariwalla earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Miami in Miami, Florida, and ultimately moved to Georgia to earn her medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine-Georgia Campus in Suwanee, Georgia. She completed her general surgery residency at Michigan State University-Garden City Hospital, where she also served as chief resident.
Dr. Buhariwalla sought additional training and expertise in the field of surgical breast oncology by completing a fellowship at Emory University. She has come to cherish her last four years working to serve patients in Cherokee County and decided to continue her commitment and passion by joining Georgia Breast Care in 2021.
Dr. Buhariwalla is dedicated to providing the most up-to-date and personalized care for each of her patients. Skilled in minimally invasive surgery, she aims to provide a balance between good cosmetics and pathology. Dr. Buhariwalla values the multidisciplinary care of the patient and works closely alongside subspecialists to deliver the most comprehensive care. She is a member of the Society of Surgical Oncology, the American Society of Breast Surgeons, and the Institute for Breastfeeding and Lactation Education.
Dr. Buhariwalla lives in Alpharetta, Georgia, with her husband and two children.
Christi Howard, NP-C, brings a combination of expert training, well-rounded expertise, and compassion to ensure that every one of her patients receives the high standard of care that they deserve. She joined the Georgia Breast Care team in Woodstock and Marietta, Georgia, in 2010 and has been well-loved by her patients ever since. As a certified nurse practitioner, Christi focuses on internal medicine, cardiac health, and managing and treating all benign and malignant breast disorders.
Christi attended the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, completing the pre-med course of study. She then moved on to Georgia State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing, graduating with honors in 2007. Following her nursing education, Christi enrolled at the University of North Georgia (formerly North Georgia College & State University) in Dahlonega, Georgia, where she completed the Master of Science in nursing, family nurse practitioner program, graduating with honors in 2010.
Christi is a proud member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children at their home in Canton, Georgia.
Kimberly Pinto, PA-C, is a dedicated and caring physicians assistant with a long history working with the Georgia Breast Care team in Woodstock, Georgia. She has made it her mission to provide her patients with early detection and treatment of breast disease, ensuring that they get the timely and compassionate care that they have come to expect.
Kimberly attended the Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in pre-professional zoology, graduating cum laude. Following her undergraduate studies, Kimberly moved on to Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia where she completed the physician assistant program, graduating in 2005 with highest honors. She initially joined Georgia Breast Care in 2006 and returned to the team in 2017 after taking several years off to care for her family.
Why do I need a breast biopsy?
A breast biopsy is a common, minimally invasive procedure used to evaluate any abnormal lumps or masses you or your doctor find. You may need a breast biopsy if you have:
Suspicious areas that show in your mammogram
Abnormal breast ultrasound or MRI results
Unusual nipple or areola changes, including bloody discharge
A breast biopsy is one of the most important breast diagnostic tools. Your doctor gathers cell samples to confirm or rule out breast cancer.
What happens during a breast biopsy?
Georgia Breast Care specializes in minimally invasive image-guided breast biopsy testing. During your breast biopsy, you lie back on a table with your arm behind your head. It’s important to breathe and remain as still as possible throughout your biopsy, which takes just a few minutes.
Before getting started, you get a small injection of a local anesthetic to numb the area, so you won’t feel any pain. Your provider then uses a handheld ultrasound transducer to locate the mass. The transducer uses sound waves to create images that appear on the screen.
Once your practitioner has a clear view of the mass, they insert a biopsy needle through your skin. Using the imaging from your ultrasound, your provider guides the needle into the mass to extract cells.
After gathering your cell sample, your provider removes the needle and applies a bandage. While you may be a little sore or bruised afterward, you can quickly return to your normal activities.
When will I get my breast biopsy results?
Your practitioner at Georgia Breast Care sends your biopsy results off to the lab for evaluation. It may take up to about a week or two to get your results back. Once your doctor has a diagnosis, they call you to schedule a follow-up visit, so they can counsel you about your results and any necessary treatment.
While uncommon, sometimes biopsy results are inconclusive. In a case like this, you may need a second biopsy to gather additional cells, but the process is the exact same.
Book your breast biopsy evaluation at Georgia Breast Care directly through the website.
What causes breast cancer?
Breast cancer is the second most common type of women’s cancer in the United States, behind skin cancer. These masses develop when cells grow, divide, and accumulate abnormally.
In most cases, these cancerous masses develop in the milk-producing ducts, although they can also form in your glandular tissue (lobules), as well as in other breast tissues. While breast cancer most commonly affects women, men can certainly suffer from it, too. In either case, breast cancer is caused by or linked to:
Older age
Radiation exposure
Being overweight
Family history of breast cancer
Personal history of breast conditions
Being a carrier of BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
Breast cancer risk is also correlated with the age at which you first gave birth. For example, if you gave birth to your first child after age 30 your risk of breast cancer is higher. You also have an increased risk if you never became pregnant or began menopause at a later age.
What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
Most women discover an abnormal lump during a home breast exam. While these masses don’t always indicate cancer, they’re certainly a reason to visit Georgia Breast Care and undergo additional screenings (like a mammogram).
If you have breast cancer, you may experience any of the following symptoms:
Newly inverted nipple
Breast skin dimpling
Redness or pitting in your breast skin
Changes in your breast size, shape, or fullness
You might also notice that the pigmented area surrounding your nipples is peeling, crusting, or flaking. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact the compassionate team at Georgia Breast Care for an evaluation.
How is breast cancer treated?
The team at Georgia Breast Care collaborate to ensure you receive the education you need about your diagnosis, so you’re informed throughout every step of your treatment process. Treating breast cancer can involve a combination of the following:
Breast cancer surgery to remove the mass or breast
Removal of affected lymph nodes
Radiation or chemotherapy
Hormone therapy
Immunotherapy
The team at Georgia Breast Care is dedicated to ensuring your breast cancer treatment is effective. They care for you throughout your journey and are available to provide support anytime you may need it.
If you have a history of breast cancer or discovered a mass, contact Georgia Breast Care today. You can book your evaluation through the website or over the phone with our office.
Why would I need a mastectomy instead of a lumpectomy?
For breast cancer patients, choosing a mastectomy versus a lumpectomy can be a very personal decision. A mastectomy removes all of the breast tissue from one or both breasts, while a lumpectomy removes only the tumor and surrounding tissue. Some factors make a mastectomy a stronger treatment option for patients, including:
Tumor size
Tumors five centimeters or larger usually require a mastectomy, whereas smaller tumors can be managed with a lumpectomy.
Breast size
If you have smaller breasts, you may choose a mastectomy, as the procedure leaves very little tissue behind after a lumpectomy.
Previous lumpectomy
If your surgeon has already tried to remove cancerous tissue unsuccessfully, you may require a mastectomy.
Radiation
Patients who cannot undergo radiation treatment may need a mastectomy.
Peace of mind
Some patients prefer to remove all breast tissue for reassurance.
Should I consider a preventive mastectomy if I’m at risk for breast cancer?
While everyone has some risk for breast cancer, some factors increase the risk significantly. For patients with high-risk factors, preventive or prophylactic mastectomy may be an option if you:
Test positive for the gene mutations BRCA1 and BRCA2
Have a family history of breast cancer, notably including a diagnosis before the age of 50 from a mother, sister, or daughter
Already have breast cancer in one breast
Received previous radiation therapy in your chest between the ages of 10 and 30
Identifying as high risk for breast cancer does not mean a mastectomy is inevitable. A discussion with your trusted physician at Georgia Breast Care can ensure the best course of action based on your risk factors.
Is a nipple-sparing mastectomy an option for me?
If your surgeon believes they can preserve the nipple and areola, as well as the breast skin, you may be a candidate for a nipple-sparing mastectomy. This surgery removes all of the breast tissue while keeping the skin intact. Cosmetically, a nipple-sparing mastectomy results in a virtually unchanged breast, with only a small scar either in the crease of the breast or near the arm. Women with smaller, less aggressive tumors are generally good candidates for a nipple-sparing mastectomy.
To find out about your mastectomy treatment options, call Georgia Breast Care or schedule an appointment online today.
Why would I need a lumpectomy?
A lumpectomy is performed to remove cancer or abnormal tissue from the breasts. You may be a candidate for a lumpectomy if your breast biopsy has tested positive for cancer and it is small and in the early stages. Your physician determines the best treatment option for your particular diagnosis.
What can I expect from a lumpectomy?
A lumpectomy surgery typically takes between 15-45 minutes in total. While the procedure is short, you need to undergo routine surgery preparations, including ceasing some medication prior to surgery and not eating for 8-12 hours beforehand.
If your tumor isn’t identifiable by touch, your physician will most likely perform a mammogram or ultrasound before surgery to determine its exact location. The incision location is marked on your skin. Next, you are given an IV for fluids and anesthesia. Lumpectomy patients may have either local or general anesthesia.
The doctor follows the natural curve of your breast with the incision for a more comfortable recovery. The surgeon removes both the tumor and an area of healthy tissue surrounding it to ensure the removal of all cancer. Lumpectomy patients rarely need to stay overnight and can recover at home.
What will my breast look like after a lumpectomy?
While lumpectomies are an effective breast cancer treatment, the aesthetic results are sometimes unpredictable. Georgia Breast Care changes that equation by offering oncoplastic surgery at the same time as your lumpectomy. Oncoplastic surgery is a combination of the latest advances in plastic surgery with oncology. If your lumpectomy requires the removal of a substantial portion of your breast, your surgeon will sculpt the remaining tissue to create a natural shape and realign the nipple and areola. Your surgeon will also reshape the other breast for symmetry.
Why would I have oncoplastic surgery during my lumpectomy?
Reshaping the breasts during your lumpectomy has several advantages. It can allow your surgeon to remove more tissue, which may be beneficial for larger tumors or negative margins. It involves only one surgery, cutting down on recovery time.
Additionally, reshaping the breast before radiation therapy avoids the risk of healing issues that are more common post-radiation. These surgeries rarely involve drains and may not even require an overnight stay. Most patients can return to work in three to four weeks.
Call Georgia Breast Care or use the online booking tool to find out if a lumpectomy is a treatment option for you.
What does an abnormal mammogram look like?
Your breasts are full of fat tissue, which shows up as dark and transparent on a mammogram. But abnormalities, including noncancerous and cancerous growths, show up in a contrasting white color. This helps your provider clearly see concerning masses.
No two mammograms are alike though. The shades of black, gray, and white in your mammogram are carefully evaluated by a trained physician who knows how to spot concerning masses.
What does an abnormal mammogram mean?
Finding out that your mammogram was abnormal can certainly be unnerving. But the dedicated team at Georgia Breast Care spends time conducting thorough follow-up care to get to the root of your condition. An abnormal mammogram could be a sign of:
Fibrocystic breast tissue (cysts)
Calcification deposits
Benign tumors
Mammograms are also one of the first screening tests used to diagnose cancer, but don’t panic if your mammogram is abnormal. The compassionate medical team at Georgia Breast Care cares for you throughout your diagnostic process and any necessary treatments.
Do I need more testing after an abnormal mammogram?
Possibly. Mammograms can provide false-negative results, as well as false-positive results. This means that about 10-15% of the time, a mammogram may miss a cancerous mass or they may show something that isn’t concerning.
In either case, especially if you feel a lump in your breast, your provider at Georgia Breast Care is likely to order additional screenings. You might need:
An ultrasound
Another mammogram
A blood draw (lab testing)
An in-office minimally invasive breast biopsy
Most abnormal biopsy follow-up screenings reveal benign issues that are nothing to worry about. Usually, fewer than 2% of women who have an abnormal mammogram need to undergo a breast biopsy at Georgia Breast Care.
If you do need a breast biopsy, 60-70% of the time, the results show no sign of cancer. But if cancer is present, the team at Georgia Breast Care counsel you about treatment options, which may include breast surgery.
If you’ve had an abnormal mammogram, the compassionate team at Georgia Breast Care can help. Book your evaluation online or call our office to speak with a team member.
What is a high-risk screening for breast cancer?
High-risk screening is a focused breast health assessment for those who are at increased risk for breast cancer. The team at Georgia Breast Care uses a variety of breast cancer risk assessment tools, such as the Gail Model, the Tyrer-Cuzick tool, and BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene testing to determine if you have a higher-than-average risk.
If you are at increased risk for breast cancer, your provider creates a plan of care that includes high-risk screenings that are customized to your risk factors.
Am I at high risk of having breast cancer?
Several risk factors increase the possibility of breast cancer for every woman. These include advanced age, prolonged use of hormone replacement therapy, smoking, obesity, and poor diet.
You may face an even higher risk for breast cancer if you have:
A significant family history of breast cancer
A history of recurrent breast infections
A history of breast or other cancer
A BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, diagnosed using genetic testing
A PALB2, PTEN or TP53 gene mutation
A family member with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation
A history of radiation therapy of the chest between ages 10-30
Dense breast tissue
Lobular neoplasia (LIN) or lobular carcinoma in-situ (LCIS)
Atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) or atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH)
Other health conditions that place you at a significantly higher risk for breast cancer include Li-Fraumeni, Cowden/PTEN syndrome, or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome.
What does high-risk screening involve?
Your provider customizes your personalized high-risk screening based on your risk factors and the underlying causes of increased risk. Your screening may include:
Clinical breast exams, from every six months to every three years
Yearly or biennial mammogram
Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Breast ultrasound
A combination of these treatments
In some cases, your risk factors may be significant enough that you opt for undergoing a preventive mastectomy. Georgia Breast Care offers Hidden Scar nipple-sparing mastectomy, which may be ideal for those who choose to reduce their risk by surgically removing their breast tissue entirely.
For a customized high-risk screening, call or schedule an appointment with Georgia Breast Care today.
Why is a breast cancer risk assessment important?
Your doctor uses several different types of breast cancer risk assessment tools to help you learn about your chances of developing breast cancer. This information is important because you can make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of breast cancer, such as:
Changing your diet
Smoking cessation
Exercising more
Losing weight
This information also helps you be empowered, so you’re motivated to stay involved in your health care and any extra screenings or exams you may need.
Which breast cancer risk assessment do I need?
Georgia Breast Care utilizes several different types of breast cancer risk assessment tools, some of which are described below.
Gail model
The Gail model is one of the most commonly used breast cancer risk assessment tools. Your provider calculates your risk by using seven key risk factors, including:
Current age
Age at first period
Race and ethnicity
Number of past breast biopsies
Family history of breast cancer
Age at first birth (if applicable)
Number of former breast biopsies that showed atypical hyperplasia
If the calculation is 1.67% or greater, you have a high risk of developing breast cancer in the next five years. In this case, your doctor may prescribe a medication to lower your risk of breast cancer.
Tyrer-Cuzick tool
This breast cancer assessment is used to determine if you may be a carrier of BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, which are closely linked to breast cancer. The Tyrer-Cuzick tool calculates your risk using the following factors:
Current age
Body mass index
Age at first period
History of ovarian cancer
Age at menopause (if applicable)
History of benign breast growths
Use of hormone replacement therapy
Obstetric history, like abnormal Pap tests
Family medical history and Ashkenazi inheritance
With this assessment, if you have a 10% or greater chance of carrying BRCA1 or BRCA2 (or both), your doctor may get you started on genetic counseling.
If your provider at Georgia Breast Care determines that you’re at risk for carrying BRCA1 or BRCA2, they may request a specialized gene test. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 test is a blood draw.
When will I get my breast cancer risk assessment results?
In terms of calculating risk, your practitioner at Georgia Breast Care may be able to give you immediate results. In some cases though, it’s necessary to come back for a follow-up visit to discuss your risk. If you needed a blood draw, it can take a couple of weeks to get your results back.
Georgia Breast Care is dedicated to providing comprehensive breast cancer risk assessment services. Find out more by booking an exam online or over the phone.
What is MarginProbe?
The MarginProbe system identifies potentially cancerous tissue using electromagnetic waves. Surgeons using the MarginProbe system receive almost instant tissue analysis to determine if the area surrounding the tumor contains cancerous cells. Once the MarginProbe identifies cancer cells, your surgeon can remove them during your first operation, negating the need for a second operation. The FDA-approved MarginProbe system is one of the newest technologies in the fight against breast cancer.
To learn more about MarginProbe and your breast cancer treatment options, call the practice or use the online booking tool to schedule your appointment.
What is a negative margin?
The margin is the tissue that encompasses the area around the tumor. Traditionally, your surgeon removes both the tumor and the margins during a lumpectomy, and pathology determines them to be 'clean' or 'negative,' meaning free from cancer, or 'positive' meaning containing cancer cells. This test typically takes a week to analyze. Patients with a positive margin then require a second lumpectomy to remove more tissue. A successful lumpectomy requires clean margins, ensuring the removal of all cancerous cells.
The MarginProbe system can identify cancer cells during your surgery, in about three to five minutes. Identifying positive or negative margins during surgery significantly reduces the need for patients to undergo a second lumpectomy. In the past, 20-30% of lumpectomy patients required a second lumpectomy due to positive margins. The use of MarginProbe reduces that need by more than half.
How does MarginProbe work?
The MarginProbe is a surgical tool used in conjunction with imaging and palpation of the tumor. The MarginProbe System uses both a console and a probe. The probe transmits a radiofrequency that identifies cancerous cells, which are difficult to distinguish from healthy cells by sight alone.
The console performs a real-time analysis of the probe's measurements. The results are displayed on a screen for your surgeon to see during surgery, and your surgeon uses the tissue analysis to remove all malignant tissue. A margin of at least 2 millimeters of clean tissue surrounding the tumor protects against the recurrence of cancer.
All patients receiving a lumpectomy can benefit from using the MarginProbe system. At Georgia Breast Care, MarginProbe elevates the standard of care, confirming thorough cancer removal the first time.
Find out if the MarginProbe system combined with a lumpectomy is the right treatment for you. Call Georgia Breast Care or schedule your appointment online.
What is a breast reduction consultation?
A breast reduction consultation is a meeting where you can discuss your desire to have your breast size reduced surgically.
While some women wish to increase their breast size through augmentation or change the shape of their breasts with uplift surgery, for many other women, the problem is breasts that are uncomfortably large.
It could be that weight loss would reduce the size of your breasts without you needing to undergo breast reduction surgery. Your provider at Georgia Breast Care can discuss any weight issues with you and how best to lose weight.
If you choose to have a breast reduction operation, it’s vital to spend time discussing the reasons for your decision and how best to achieve greater comfort. This is what the breast reduction consultation is all about.
What happens at a breast reduction consultation?
Some aspects of your breast reduction consultation at Georgia Breast Care are much the same as any other consultation with your health care provider.
You discuss your medical history and any previous problems you’ve had, such as breast infections or breast lumps. It’s also important for your provider to have a clear picture of any relevant family history.
You should be open and honest about your reasons for wanting breast reduction surgery. Giving them as much info as possible will help them guide you on the best plan of action.
They also need to know about the way your breasts feel physically, and the problems you experience because of the size of your breasts. For instance, heavy breasts can cause problems like chronic back and neck pain and make it hard to exercise.
At Georgia Breast Care, PC we will evaluate, order any testing, and clear you for breast reduction surgery. We would then refer you to a specialist that performs these procedures.
What is diagnostic testing?
Diagnostic testing is used to confirm a suspected diagnosis or find out what’s causing particular symptoms when no cause is apparent after your initial consultation.
One of the main uses of diagnostic testing for breasts is to find out about breast lumps. Finding a lump in your breast is a frightening experience, but in most cases a breast lump isn’t cancerous.
However, because breast cancer is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment, finding out exactly what’s causing any lump is essential.
What types of diagnostic testing are there?
Some of the types of diagnostic testing carried out by the team at Georgia Breast Care include:
Mammograms
Mammograms are special breast X-rays. They’re used for breast screening as they can show small lumps in your breast as much as two years before you’d be able to feel the lump yourself.
Breast MRI
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses radio waves and powerful magnetic fields to take pictures of the inside of your breast. A computer program combines the pictures to produce one highly detailed image.
Breast ultrasound
Breast ultrasound is useful for patients whose breast tissue is particularly dense. The sound waves used in ultrasound technology are the safest form of diagnostic testing. That means breast ultrasound is a valuable alternative to mammograms and MRI scans if you can’t undergo these types of diagnostic tests because you’re pregnant, for example.
The team at Georgia Breast Care also uses the MarginProbe® system as one of its key diagnostic tools.
What is MarginProbe?
MarginProbe is an advanced form of diagnostic testing that uses electromagnetic waves. Your provider at Georgia Breast Care uses MarginProbe to test for cancerous tissues during lumpectomy procedures, helping to remove all of the cancerous tissue at one time and avoid unnecessary subsequent surgeries.
A lumpectomy is a surgical procedure for removing cancerous breast lumps. Ideally, during surgery, your provider would take out every trace of cancer so you wouldn’t need to undergo further surgery. Without MarginProbe, the surgeon has to use their judgment in removing the tumor and surrounding cells.
The area around the lump, called the margin, might contain cancer cells, so in the past, the tissue removed during the lumpectomy would go to the lab for analysis. If any cancer cells were found in the tissue of the margin, it means you would have to undergo another surgery to remove any that might be left.
Using MarginProbe, it takes around five minutes for your surgeon to test the margins during your lumpectomy to make sure every cancerous cell gets removed.
Accurate and timely diagnostic testing can make a significant difference to your treatments and outcomes and is an indispensable tool for addressing breast cancer. Call Georgia Breast Care today if you’re worried about any problems with your breasts, or book an appointment using the online tool.
What is routine breast health screening?
Breast health screenings include clinical breast exams, self-exams, mammograms, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect the presence of cancer in your breasts. It is recommended that all women complete a breast self-exam monthly and report any symptoms, including lumps, changes in size, or pain to your doctor. At Georgia Breast Care, your doctor will examine your breasts for lumps or other changes, and they may recommend a mammogram or breast MRI.
Mammogram
A mammogram is an X-ray of your breast, used to detect breast cancer at early stages, when it is easier to treat and often before you experience any symptoms. Getting regular mammograms reduces the risk of dying from breast cancer.
Breast MRI
A breast MRI is given to women at high risk for getting breast cancer. MRIs take pictures of the breast with magnets and radio waves.
How often should I get routine breast health screenings?
It is recommended that women receive mammograms and clinical breast exams every year between the ages of 50 and 54, and every other year starting at the age of 55. Women should continue receiving mammograms until they reach the age of 69.
Most health insurance plans cover mammograms annually or every other year for women starting at the age of 40 at no out-of-pocket cost to you. Use the online booking tool or call Georgia Breast Care to schedule a routine breast health screening.
How is breast cancer diagnosed?
If breast cancer is diagnosed from your routine breast health screening, other tests are ordered to determine what stage of cancer you have. Staging is the process of determining whether your breast cancer is only in the breast or if it has spread throughout other parts of your body.
How is breast cancer treated?
The type and stage of breast cancer determines the treatment you need, and you may require more than one type of treatment. Breast cancer is commonly treated with a combination of the following options:
Surgical removal of cancer tissue
Chemotherapy pills or intravenous medication to shrink or kill cancer cells
Radiation therapy to kill cancer cells
Hormonal therapy to prevent cancer cells from receiving the hormones they need to grow
Biological therapy to improve your body’s immune system’s ability to fight cancer
Increase the likelihood of detecting breast cancer early and receiving successful treatment with routine breast health screenings. Schedule an appointment online or call Georgia Breast Care today.
What is Hidden Scar breast surgery?
Hidden Scar breast surgery is an innovative approach to breast cancer treatment that doesn’t leave a scar. For many women, having a scar after breast surgery could make their cancer journey even more difficult.
The Hidden Scar approach allows your certified breast surgeon to remove breast and cancer tissue through incisions that remain unseen after your breast has healed. Depending on the procedure and the size and shape of your breast, your scars remain hidden under the breast, around the nipple, or in the armpit.
Georgia Breast Care offers the Hidden Scar approach for nipple-sparing mastectomy and lumpectomy, two types of breast cancer surgeries.
What is Hidden Scar mastectomy surgery?
A mastectomy is a type of breast surgery where the surgeon removes all of the breast tissue. Your surgeon performs this procedure to remove cancerous breast tissue or to prevent breast cancer in someone who may be at significant risk due to family history.
There are three types of mastectomy: simple (total), skin-sparing, and nipple-sparing. The Hidden Scar approach offers women who need a nipple-sparing mastectomy an option for maintaining the appearance of her breast after breast-cancer treatment.
A nipple-sparing mastectomy removes breast tissue while protecting the shape and natural appearance of the nipple. This is an option for women whose cancer is noninvasive or has not affected the nipple. The Hidden Scar procedure uses an incision made in the natural fold under the breast.
What is a Hidden Scar lumpectomy?
A lumpectomy procedure is a type of breast surgery where your surgeon removes cancerous tissue, as well as a small portion of healthy tissue surrounding the cancer tissue. This procedure spares the nipple and most of the healthy tissue but could leave a deforming scar if a traditional method of surgery is used.
The Hidden Scar lumpectomy technique utilizes an incision made in one of three places:
Under the arm
Under the breast
Along the border of the nipple
The Hidden Scar lumpectomy may be an option for you if your tumor is confined to one area or is small enough relative to the overall size of your breast.
Should I have Hidden Scar breast surgery?
If your cancer treatment involves a nipple-sparing mastectomy or a lumpectomy, your provider works closely with you to determine if you are a good candidate.
The providers at Georgia Breast Care believe that it is essential to treat both the physical and emotional needs of their patients with breast cancer. Studies show that breast cancer surgery scars could harm their patient’s body image, self-confidence, and intimacy. The Hidden Scar surgical option can help improve a women’s wellness after surgery and throughout her breast cancer journey.
For a consultation about Hidden Scar breast surgery, call or schedule an appointment online with Georgia Breast Care today.
Why do I need a breast cancer evaluation?
Your doctor may recommend a breast cancer evaluation for a variety of reasons. For instance, if you find a lump or mass during a home breast exam, an evaluation with a physician is your next step. You may also need a breast cancer evaluation if you:
Had an abnormal mammogram or breast ultrasound
Have a personal or family history of breast cancer
Previously had one or more breast biopsies
You may also need a breast cancer evaluation if you were diagnosed by another doctor, but would like a second opinion about your prognosis. Further testing can determine if you have breast cancer and are in need of surgical treatment.
What happens during breast cancer surgical treatment?
After your initial breast cancer evaluation and comprehensive diagnosis at Georgia Breast Care, the team works together to get you prepared for surgery. Depending on your specific cancer and your personal and family health history, your provider may need to remove:
The cancerous mass (lumpectomy)
Your entire breast (mastectomy)
Affected lymph nodes
If you have cancer in one breast and are at risk for developing cancer in the other breast, your practitioner at Georgia Breast Care may recommend a contralateral prophylactic mastectomy. This procedure involves removing your healthy breast and is reserved for very high-risk cases.
How long does it take to recover from breast cancer surgery?
It takes time to recover from breast cancer surgery. Though it may take about two to three weeks for you to heal after a lumpectomy, recovery from a mastectomy can take up to four to six weeks. Make sure you rest and return to activities as recommended.
After your breast cancer surgery, you may need a series of radiation or chemotherapy treatments to destroy any lingering cancer cells in your body. You might need treatment for several weeks or months.
Throughout your breast cancer surgery recovery, the caring team at Georgia Breast Care supports you and counsels you about what to expect. Rest assured, you’re not alone.
Learn more about breast cancer evaluation and surgical treatment solutions from Georgia Breast Care by booking an exam. Schedule online or over the phone with our office.
Evaluation Of Outside Mammogram, Ultrasound, And MRI
Why is it important to get a second opinion about my breast cancer diagnosis?
When you get a diagnosis of breast cancer, you likely feel overwhelmed and anxious to make the right treatment decisions. Having a second evaluation of your mammogram, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), could give you more information and help empower you to make decisions that are right for you.
Even if you trust your healthcare provider completely, a second opinion can ensure you get the best care possible as you begin your breast cancer journey. Your provider may even suggest you get a second opinion, as there can be different interpretations of the same diagnostic studies.
Having a complete, accurate diagnosis of the type and degree of involvement of your breast cancer is essential for creating a treatment plan that fits your specific needs and gives you the best outcomes.
Should I get a second opinion about my breast cancer diagnosis?
You may choose to get a second opinion or second evaluation of your diagnostic studies, if:
Your physician is not a breast care specialist
You aren’t satisfied with your physician’s diagnosis
Your physician is not confident in their diagnosis
Your insurance company requires a second opinion
Your diagnostic reports are inconclusive or vague
Your physician gives you different treatment options
Your physician recommends a second opinion
You want as much information as possible before proceeding
You want to confirm you are free of cancer after treatment
A collaborative approach to treating breast cancer gives you the best chance at positive outcomes. At Georgia Breast Care, they work closely with your physician to ensure you have the most accurate diagnosis and best possible care.
When should I get a second opinion about my breast cancer diagnosis?
Many women with a new breast cancer diagnosis feel they need to start treatment immediately. In most cases, however, you have time to collect accurate information about your cancer before beginning treatment and don’t need to feel rushed to make a decision right away.
Even if you have already started treatment, it is not too late to get a second opinion. While each case is different, most have the option of getting a second opinion:
After diagnostic studies are complete
Before having surgery
After surgery, before other treatments begin
During treatment, if a current strategy isn’t effective
Even if you have completed a course of treatment, it is not too late to get a second opinion. The team at Georgia Breast Care strives to equip and empower all women and men to make informed decisions about their breast health.
If you need an expert evaluation of your outside mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI, call or schedule an appointment with Georgia Breast Care today.
