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BREAST SURGERY & RECONSTRUCTION
Breast cancer is the most common cancer afflicting women in Singapore and its incidence is rising. However it is very amenable to screening and early detection, resulting in early treatment. More lives can be saved and more women need not lose their breasts to breast cancer.
At Mount Alvernia Hospital, we have a team of dedicated Breast Surgeons to provide a wholistic approach for the early detection, early treatment and comprehensive management of breast cancer at all stages.
Breast Imaging
We have the facilities to do screening mammography. If indicated, special mammographic views and breast ultrasound can be performed. Breast microcalcifications are seen only on mammography whereas breast lumps are better seen on breast ultrasound especially in the pre-menopausal women. In selected cases, breast CT scans and MRI scan are available as well.
Minimally Invasive Breast Biopsy
This forms a part of the triple assessment of any breast lesion, whether palpable or impalpable. The other parts of triple assessment are clinical breast examination and breast imaging.
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Fine needle aspiration biopsy Under ultrasound guidance, a fine needle is inserted into the breast lump. A cyst will be completely aspirated. Aspirate of a solid lump is sent for cytological examination. |
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Core cut biopsy Under ultrasound or mammographic guidance, a core cut device is inserted to sample a breast lump or microcalcifications for histological examination. |
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Mammotome biopsy A breast lump smaller than 2 cm can be removed using the vacuum assisted Mammotome device under ultrasound guidance. Breast microcalcifications can be biopsied using the Mammotome under stereotactic digital mammography. |
Breast Cancer Surgery
Once a diagnosis of early breast cancer is made, surgery is the first line of treatment. Mastectomy, removal of the whole breast, is one of the options. In selected cases, the breast can be conserved followed by radiotherapy to the breast. Sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary node clearance may be needed.
Skin-Sparing Mastectomy And Breast Reconstruction
In selected cases, instead of a conventional mastectomy, a skin-sparing mastectomy can be done followed by immediate breast reconstruction giving a much better cosmetic effect.
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