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Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is unique to each patient: Our clinicians will target treatments specifically for you.
Related to:Ductal carcinoma, Lobular carcinoma
Breast cancer is cancer that starts in the tissues of the breast. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States, after skin cancer. Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it is far more common in women.
There are two main types of breast cancer:
- Ductal carcinoma starts in the tubes (ducts) that carry milk from the breast to the nipple. Most breast cancers are of this type.
- Lobular carcinoma starts in parts of the breast that produce milk (lobules).
Why choose the Cancer Center for breast cancer care?
The UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center is a premier cancer research and treatment facility and the only National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer center in Central and South Texas. Our doctors provide extraordinary care for patients with breast cancer that includes:
- A team approach: You will be cared for by our Breast Cancer team, which includes surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, experts in genetics and prevention, pathologists and plastic surgeons — all working together, in the same building. This helps make your appointments as convenient as possible.
- Oncofertility: If you are concerned about the effects your cancer treatment may have on your ability to conceive, our reproductive gynecologists will speak to you about the many options available to you for preserving fertility.
- Genetic counseling: We offer cancer genetics counseling services to help you understand your genetic risk of developing cancer and provide information and support.
- Wellness Center: If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you may be feeling overwhelmed in many ways. We will assist you through every aspect of your cancer journey, from our patient education library, nutritional support, exercise, massage therapy, spiritual and psychological support.
- Innovation and research: We have made nationally and internationally recognized contributions to breast health improvements. Your doctors will provide the most current therapies available and may suggest you enroll in clinical trials for new treatments.
- Survivorship clinic: This clinic will focus on your health and life after treatment of your breast cancer.
Clinical trials
Clinical trials for breast cancer are a major part of our work here at the cancer center. Because we are a cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), you can be assured that you’re in the right place if a clinical trial is a treatment option that makes sense for your diagnosis. Our staff has the expertise to help you through all phases of a clinical trial.
Make an appointment
To request an appointment with our team or to make a referral to one of our physicians, please call the main number: 210-450-1000 or 800-340-2872 or email CTRCReferral@uthscsa.edu.
Symptoms
Symptoms of breast cancer
Early breast cancer usually does not cause symptoms. This is why regular breast exams are important. As the cancer grows, symptoms may include:
- Breast lump or lump in the armpit
- Changes in breast size, shape, skin color or texture
- Skin redness
- Fluid coming from nipple
- Nipple changes
- Scaliness on the breast
Diagnosis
How is breast cancer diagnosed?
Our highly specialized Breast Center includes:
- Advanced digital mammogram machines that expose you to less radiation and allow computer image enhancement techniques
- Radiologists specializing in breast image interpretation who provide immediate assessment of your tests
In addition to a mammogram, other tests may include:
- Breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to help better identify the breast lump
- Breast ultrasound to show whether the lump is solid or fluid-filled
- Breast biopsy or breast lump removal for closer examination by a laboratory specialist. If a needle biopsy is needed, it can be done immediately, before leaving the mammography office.
- CT scan
- PET scan
If you do have breast cancer, additional tests will be done to determine if the cancer has spread.
Treatment
Breast cancer treatment at UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center
You will see a team of breast specialists that includes the breast medical oncologist, the breast radiation oncologist and a surgeon. Our specialists meet weekly at our internal tumor board conference to discuss newly diagnosed patients. Together, we will discuss a plan of treatment for you based on your type and stage of cancer and make sure you receive the best and most informed care possible.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Chemotherapy and chemotherapeutic agents to kill cancer cells
- Radiation therapy to destroy cancerous tissue
- Surgery to remove cancerous tissue (a lumpectomy removes the breast lump; a mastectomy removes all or part of the breast and possible nearby structures)
- Hormonal therapy
- Clinical trials
- Survivorship care: We plan for our breast cancer patients long after their treatments are done with surveillance and regular follow-up visits to provide the best long-term survivorship care.