Why Choose Us for Breast Cancer Treatment
The Breast Cancer Care Team at Huntsman Cancer Institute combines cutting-edge research with comprehensive patient care for a holistic approach to treating breast cancer.
We offer state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technologies, which enable early detection and effective management of breast cancer. Advanced imaging techniques, like 3D mammography and breast MRI, are used to find cancers at their earliest and most treatable stages. Surgical options, such as breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy with reconstructive surgery, are tailored for each patient to optimize both health and cosmetic outcomes.
Additionally, we offer the latest in targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and precision medicine, ensuring that treatments are as effective as possible. And we are a nationally recognized leader in breast cancer clinical trials, ranging from new drugs and new combinations of established treatments, to the effects of diet, exercise, and complementary treatments to improve the quality of life of patients.
Specialized Treatments
Breast cancer treatment can involve several care providers, and by having a network of community clinics and affiliate hospitals we are able to give patients access to fully coordinated care no matter where treatment happens.
While treatment (or a combination of treatments) is different for each individual patient, there are several common treatment types available:
- Surgery, including reconstruction if necessary
- Hormone therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation
Our Expertise
More genes for inherited cancers have been discovered at Huntsman Cancer Institute than at any other cancer center, including genes for increased risk of breast cancer. Along with treating those with a genetic risk for breast cancer, we specialize in the following:
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
- Invasive ductal carcinoma
- Invasive lobular carcinoma
- Male breast cancer
- Triple-negative breast cancer
- HER2-positive breast cancer
- Inflammatory breast cancer
- Metastatic breast cancer
- Recurrent breast cancer
Patient Care Philosophy
We believe no one should face cancer alone. Our dedicated and world-renowned doctors, nurses, and medical staff are at the forefront of patient-centered care. We treat the whole person, not just their cancer.
Each day, our medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists work together across disciplines to create and coordinate treatment plans for every patient. We understand cancer is a complex disease. That is why we use a team approach that includes social workers and support groups, as well as wellness and integrative health services such as acupuncture, massage, creative arts, and more.
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Breast Cancer Research
At Huntsman Cancer Institute, research is critical to our mission of better understanding, treating, and preventing cancer. We have that focus on laboratory, clinical, and population-based studies. We also have that serve as collaborative hubs where doctors and scientists share findings and work together to accelerate progress.
Our scientists study the biology of cancer, explore the promise of new therapies, and find innovative ways to treat people using personalized medicine. We have made significant discoveries about genes linked to cancer risk, and our experts train the next generation of cancer researchers to make a difference in cancer care.
In addition, clinical trials test new drugs, drug combinations, procedures, and processes. These are key to improving cancer prevention, diagnosis, and care. Patients on clinical trials may receive access to cutting-edge therapies not yet widely available, with studies being closely monitored so patient wellbeing is always the top priority. Our goal is to find new cancer treatments and improve the quality of life for people with cancer.
Clinical Trials
Make an Appointment with a Prostate Cancer Specialist
To make an appointment with a breast cancer specialist, fill out our appointment form or call 801-587-7000. Our team will determine if your insurance covers treatment at Huntsman Cancer Institute or if you need a referral from a primary care doctor.
External providers can refer a patient using the online referral form or by calling 801-587-7000 to speak to a patient registration specialist.
Breast Cancer Basics
In breast cancer, cancerous cells form inside breast tissue. There are several types of this disease:
Ductal carcinoma
Ductal carcinoma begins in the cells of the breast ducts. It is the most common type of breast cancer. If the cancer remains in the ducts, it is called Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS). If it spreads into the breast, it is Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.
Lobular carcinoma
Lobular carcinoma begins in the cells of the breast lobes or lobules and spreads into the breast.
Inflammatory breast cancer
Inflammatory breast cancer occurs when in the skin. This makes the breast warm, red, and swollen. The skin of the breast may also look dimpled.
Angiosarcoma of the breast
Angiosarcoma of the breast is a rare cancer that begins in the cells of the blood vessels or lymph vessels.
Pagets disease of the nipple
Pagets disease of the nipple, cancer cells that are within the skin of the nipple that can cause the nipple to be crusty, scaly, and itchy. There is often a tumor in the breast found as well.
Malignant phyllodes tumor of the breast
Malignant phyllodes tumor of the breast, a rare cancer that begins in the connective tissue of the breast and is a type of sarcoma.
These could be signs of breast cancer:
- A lump or thickening in or near the breast or armpit
- Dimples or puckering of the breast skin
- A nipple turned inward toward the breast
- Fluid from the nipple that is not breast milk, especially if it is bloody
- Scaly, red, or swollen skin on the nipple, areola (the dark area of skin around the nipple), or breast
- Change in the size or shape of the breast
These symptoms can also be a sign of other health problems. If you notice any of these, see your doctor as soon as possible. Sometimes there are no signs of breast cancer and the cancer is detected with breast imaging. This is why we recommend women get yearly mammograms.
Learn more about from the National Cancer Institute.
A risk factor is anything that increases your chance of getting a disease. Having a risk factor does not mean you are certain to get cancer, but it does mean your chances are higher than the average person. Talk with your doctor to learn more about your personal cancer risk.
The chance of getting breast cancer increases with age and other risk factors:
- A personal history of breast cancer or other breast disease
- A family history of breast cancer
- Changes in certain genes that increase the risk of breast cancer such as BRCA1 and BRCA2
- Very dense breast tissue
- More estrogen in the body over time from factors such as menstruating at a young age, being older than 30 when first pregnant or never being pregnant, and starting menopause at a later age
- Taking hormones such as estrogen and progesterone after menopause
- Drinking alcohol
- Being overweight
Huntsman Cancer Institute features breast cancer imaging innovations:
- Tomosynthesis (3D) mammography
- Mammography combined with family history and genetic assessment
- Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Image-guided breast biopsy
Learn more about ways to prevent cancer and about breast cancer screening.
If you notice a change in your breast, make an appointment right away. Checking for breast cancer can rule out an issue or help find cancer early, when it may be easier to treat.
Health care providers use these tests to screen for and diagnose breast cancer:
Clinical breast exam (CBE)
A health care provider feels the breasts and under the arms for lumps or anything unusual.
Mammogram
Digital x-ray images of the breast show abnormal areas inside the breast.
Ultrasound
High-energy sound waves create an image of breast tissue.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Equipment uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make detailed images of the breast.
Tissue sampling (biopsy)
Health care providers remove cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope to check for signs of cancer.
There are three ways cancer spreads in the body: through tissue, the lymph system, or the blood.
There are four stages of breast cancer. Staging for breast cancer is very complex. The cancer stage depends on the size of the tumor, where the cancer has spread, and how many lymph nodes have been affected.
When cancer spreads from where it started to another part of the body, it is called metastasis. These metastatic cancer cells are the same type of cancer as the primary tumor. For example, if breast cancer spreads to the bone, the cancer cells in the bone are actually breast cancer cells. The disease is metastatic breast cancer, not bone cancer.
Learn more about from the National Cancer Institute.
Treatment
Radiation therapy is part of treatment for many patients. Huntsman Cancer Institute's radiation oncologists use the latest technology to kill cancer cells while damaging as little healthy tissue as possible:
- 3D radiotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)鈥搘e shape the radiation beam to match the tumor
- Accelerated partial breast irradiation鈥搑adiation delivered only to the part of the breast with cancer
- Hypofractionation鈥搕otal radiation dose delivered over a shorter period of time
- Stereotactic radiosurgery and body radiotherapy
- Positional and breathing techniques to keep lungs and heart out of the radiation field
Many patients get chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or a combination as part of their treatment plan. Huntsman Cancer Institute's medical oncologists use the latest standard-of-care options and conduct clinical trials to develop new treatments.
In addition, oncologists focus on managing side effects of treatments in order to improve the long-term quality of life for breast cancer survivors.
Learn more about from the National Cancer Institute.
In breast cancer, cancerous cells form inside breast tissue. There are several types of this disease:
Surgery for Breast Cancer
Most patients with breast cancer will have surgery as a part of their treatment. For some, surgery will be the only treatment necessary. Others may have radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and other therapies as a part of their treatment.
We use several types of surgeries to treat breast cancer. These fall into two main categories: breast-conserving surgery or total mastectomy. Many factors influence which surgery is right for each patient.
Breast-Conserving Surgery
With breast-conserving surgery, we remove the cancer and some normal tissues around the tumor. We do not remove the entire breast. Before or during the procedure, the surgeon may remove some lymph nodes. That may require another incision. The doctor may call the surgery a lumpectomy, partial mastectomy, segmental mastectomy, or quadrantectomy.
Mastectomy
In a mastectomy, we remove the entire breast and sometimes more tissue鈥攂ut rarely muscle on the chest. The surgeon may also remove some lymph nodes during the procedure. The doctor may call the surgery a total mastectomy, a simple mastectomy, a skin-sparing mastectomy, a nipple-sparing mastectomy, or a modified radical mastectomy.
Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction can happen during or after breast surgery. The reconstructed breast can be made from an implant filled with saline or a silicone gel, or from tissues from another part of the body.
Decision-Making
Many factors go into choosing which surgery to have. You also can choose if and when to have reconstruction. Not all options may be available. Options depend on the type of cancer, stage of the cancer, and other factors. The treatment plan can influence the decision and the decision can influence the overall treatment plan.
Talk to your doctor about all the options available to you. You may also find decision-making guides helpful. However, these guides do not take the place of your health care team鈥檚 advice.
Learn more about and .
Breast Reconstruction Surgery: Mastectomy & Nipple Reconstruction
Listen to Dr. Kirtly Jones and Dr. Agarwal discuss the breast reconstruction surgery and the many options breast cancer patients have when it comes to mastectomy and breast reconstruction.
