Nine out of ten lumps are benign and require no further treatment. These can include benign fibroadenomas, cysts or lipomas. These can easily be diagnosed by a mammogram and/or an ultrasound. However, any new lump found in the breast should be evaluated by a breast surgeon to confirm that it is truly benign. Occasionally a needle biopsy is performed in the office to confirm the diagnosis.

Microcalcifications are small flecks of calcium deposits seen on mammograms. They are very common and mostly represent calcified cysts. If they are grouped in a tight cluster or have increased in number since the last mammogram, then the radiologist may ask for a biopsy to be sure that they are not Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS), the earliest form of breast cancer, or Stage 0 breast cancer. Only one in ten biopsies of suspicious microcalcifications is caused by DCIS.

It depends on who in your family has breast cancer, and at what age they were diagnosed. If you have several close relatives who were diagnosed under the age of 50 you should see a breast specialist to discuss your risks. Depending on your risk, the breast surgeon may recommend that you see a genetics counselor. A breast screening schedule, which is tailored to your risk, will then be formulated.

It is important to note that most patients with breast cancer do not have risk factors, and it is likely that multiple unique factors merge to contribute to cause breast cancer. Although unrecognized contributors exist, there are several known factors that’ll put the person at risk for breast cancer such as age, genetics, hormonal factors, radiation exposure, dense breasts, alcohol consumption, obesity, atypical breast biopsy, and a history of ovarian cancer.

This depends on your risk factors. If you have no family history of breast cancer, you should have a mammogram starting at age 40 and then every year after that. If you have a family history, mammograms start 10 years younger than the age at which your relative was diagnosed with breast cancer. For example, if your mother had breast cancer at 45 years old, then you would start at age 35.

Few mammographic abnormalities are suspicious for cancer; however, you may want to see a breast surgeon so that he/she can explain to you what was found on the mammogram and what further treatment you will require.

Breast surgeons, such as those at St Luke’s and Roosevelt Hospitals, are focused on Breast surgery only. We have completed General Surgery training, but are specialized in Breast Surgery. We participate in breast research, attend and present at national meetings where we help advance understanding and management of breast diseases. We are committed to providing our patients with comprehensive treatment options that include incorporating the newest treatment modalities as well as providing dedicated support services to ease the anxiety of both the patient and their families.

Our dedicated breast surgeons while keeping the cancer treatments in the forefront work to minimize cosmetic defects to the body. We offer breast preservation surgery, skin and nipple sparing mastectomies. Our comprehensive breast team at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital also includes talented plastic surgeons who use advanced reconstructive techniques to restore woman's breasts. In addition to silicone and saline implants, our surgeons are expertise in reconstruction with own tissue known as perforator flaps (DIEP, S-GAP, I-GAP). Many of these reconstructions can be performed simultaneous at the time of the cancer surgery or at a later date. Various reconstruction options for partial mastectomy defects after radiation are available as well. Please consult your surgeon whether or not you are a candidate for any of these procedures.

The Comprehensive Breast Service at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Medical Center offers state of the art diagnostic and treatment options. The breast surgeons believe in a team approach in managing breast disease. This includes the breast surgeon, radiologist, pathologist, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, plastics surgeons, genetics counselor as well as a dedicated support staff. Not only do we treat the breast cancer, but we are strong believers in treating the entire person. This can include meeting with our patient navigator, or joining any of our support groups which include yoga, reiki, massage therapy, art therapy, and meditation classes. We understand that a breast cancer diagnosis is very stressful and we aim to minimize this stress by formulating a treatment plan tailored to the individual patient. Our goal is that when you leave our office after the first consultation, you have an entire treatment plan outlined and are confident in the care you will receive.

Physicians BIOS and Contact Info

Breast Surgeons

• Alison Estabrook, MD, FACS
  
  (212) 523-7500
• Paul I. Tartter, MD, FACS
  
  (212) 523-7500
• Sharon Rosenbaum Smith,
  
  MD , FACS (212) 523-7500
• Aye Moe Thu Ma, MD
  
  (212) 523-4799