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Metastatic Breast Cancer | |||
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At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), we understand that coping with a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis is challenging. If you have been diagnosed, knowing where to turn for information about metastatic breast cancer symptoms and treatment can be difficult. We believe it is your right to be informed about all of the available treatment options, and you should be empowered to take an active part in charting the course of your treatment and care. Metastatic breast cancer affects more than just parts of the body - it affects your whole life and the lives of your loved ones. That is why CTCA practices an integrated cancer treatment model designed to fight cancer on all fronts.
If you are exploring metastatic breast cancer treatment options and would like to learn more about our unique and integrative approach to treatment, please call 800-615-3055 and speak with one of our Oncology Information Specialists. They are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to discuss your metastatic breast cancer options and help you decide if CTCA is right for you.
What is Metastatic Breast Cancer?
Metastatic breast cancer is cancer that began in the breast but has spread to other parts of the body. When this happens, the cancer that is in the "secondary" site is stilled referred to as metastatic breast cancer, and it often behaves and responds to treatment much like the original breast cancer. Breast cancer often begins in the lining of the ducts, which is called ductal carcinoma. Lobular carcinoma originates in the lobules, which contain the bulbs that produce milk.
Metastatic Breast Cancer Treatment
Although every case of metastatic breast cancer is different, there are a number of conventional treatment options that are often used in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. These treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
- Surgery - the oldest form of treating cancer and usually the most common way to remove a tumor. We offer cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspiration, colectomy, lumpectomy, mastectomy, proctectomy, radio frequency ablation, and sentinel node biopsy.
- Radiation - this type of therapy can be used in combination with other forms of treatment. The following types of radiation therapy are current available: 3D conformal radiation, external beam radiation, high dose rate brachytherapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy, MammoSite RTS, TheraSphere, and TomoTherapy HI-ART.
- Chemotherapy - we offer fractionated dose chemotherapy, intra-arterial chemotherapy, and intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
Metastatic Breast Cancer Symptoms & Detection
In many cases, metastatic breast cancer symptoms may not become apparent until the stage of the cancer has advanced. The most common metastatic breast cancer symptoms that may develop include lumps or a dimple in the breast as well as redness or swelling of the breast. Because often times metastatic breast cancer does not produce symptoms, it is important that you take steps to help aid in the early detection of metastatic breast cancer. Regular self-examinations and mammograms are two things that you can do to help detect breast cancer in the early stages. A mammogram allows doctors to diagnose metastatic breast cancer and evaluate your condition. The test is both safe and highly accurate.
Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer at CTCA
A metastatic breast cancer diagnosis affects every aspect of your life, so that is how we treat it. Instead of just treating your cancer, we create a metastatic breast cancer treatment plan designed to treat all of you. Inside and out, it is total care for your mind, body and spirit.
Using the most advanced conventional treatments available, our cancer specialists combine these with a number of complementary and alternative treatment options including:
- Nutrition - close to one-third of all cancer deaths are related to malnutrition, according to the National Cancer Institute. We will work with you to create a diet plan that will provide you with the nutrition you need during your treatment.
- Naturopathy - uses the least invasive, most physiologically supportive methods possible to help aid in the treatment process.
- Mind-body medicine - through this process you and your family will work with your doctor to explore what is unique to your body, mind, and spirit.
- Physical therapy - Cancer Treatment Centers of America rehabilitation team will help you create a physical regime that will reduce stress, prevent fatigue and improve your overall quality-of-life. Your team may consist of a Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists and Massage Therapists.
- Pain management - along with advanced cancer usually comes pain. Your CTCA care team will help you identify the cause of the pain and then discuss how to successfully manage it. You and your doctor may decide on a pharmaceutical approach or non-pharmaceutical approach such as behavioral techniques, radiation, surgery, neurological and neurosurgical interventions, and even traditional nursing and psychosocial interventions.
- Image enhancement - hair loss or changes in your skin and/or body can be a devastating after effect of cancer. Our Image Enhancement specialists are prepared to discuss cosmetic image enhancement and plastic and reconstructive support with you.
New treatments for metastatic breast cancer are always being introduced and current techniques are continually evolving. At CTCA our cancer specialists are dedicated to making sure that they are always up-to-date with the latest techniques and treatments available. In addition to skilled medical professionals dedicated to providing the most comprehensive, up-to-date metastatic breast cancer treatments available all under one roof, you will also find something else. At CTCA all of our specialists are dedicated to providing you with a treatment plan specifically based around your unique situation and needs. Your team will talk with, and learn from you your needs and requests, and then work with you to create a plan designed around those needs.
If you are looking for a cancer hospital that does more than just treat your cancer. One that treats you as a unique individual and respects your opinions, CTCA may be what you are looking for. To learn more about our integrative approach to metastatic breast cancer treatment, please call us at 800-615-3055. You can also chat with us online about metastatic breast cancer.
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