Treatments
Surgery
Radiation Therapy
Chemotherapy
Hormone Therapy
Lymph Node Evaluation
Clinical Trials
Physical Therapy
Norris Cotton Cancer Center is an academic research facility with a national reputation. The Comprehensive Breast Program is able to offer many types of standard and new treatments, including national and regional clinical trials that might not be available at smaller community hospitals. A patient can see several specialists in our Interdisciplinary Breast Cancer Clinic during diagnosis and treatment.
The Center for Shared Decision Making offers Breast Cancer Decision Aids for patients.
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Learn more about breast cancer treatment from the National Cancer Institute. |
Surgery is typically used for removing breast cancer. One of our surgeons will discuss options such as breast conserving surgery (lumpectomy) or mastectomy. The type of surgery depends on each patient’s individual diagnosis. In some cases, mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction can be performed in a single procedure, eliminating the need for two separate hospitalizations.
Radiation therapy uses X-rays and other types of internal radiation to kill cancer cells. It also can be very effective for preventing the return of cancer. Radiation oncologists at Norris Cotton Cancer Center are experienced in advanced radiation treatments for breast cancer. For some patients, MammoSite® radiation therapy can shorten breast cancer radiation treatment from seven weeks to just five days and reduce side effects.
A radiation oncologist may meet with you to discuss various options for treatment. If you decide on radiation therapy, your radiation oncologist will plan your treatment schedule and follow your progress. Radiation therapy is available at our Main Campus in Lebanon, NH, and also at regional Cancer Center locations in St. Johnsbury, VT, and Manchester, NH.
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Learn more about radiation therapy from the American Cancer Society. |
Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells that may have spread to other organs. Chemotherapy is sometimes given after surgery to reduce the chance of cancer returning. The drugs are often injected into the bloodstream so that they can reach distant areas of the body. One of our medical oncologists may meet with you to discuss possible chemotherapy. Once treatment beings, the medical oncologist monitors you throughout your progress. Whenever possible, we coordinate treatment through outreach centers so that patients can remain close to home during therapy. Chemotherapy is available at our Main Campus in Lebanon, NH, and also at regional Cancer Center locations in St. Johnsbury, VT, and Manchester, NH.
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Learn more about chemotherapy from the American Cancer Society. |
Hormone therapy reduces estrogen levels or blocks the action of estrogen in breast cancer. It is a common therapy used after surgery and chemotherapy (if given) that significantly reduces the chance of breast cancer recurrence. It also can be used to help control metastatic breast cancer. Following surgery and after the pathologist has analyzed your tumor cells, your medical team will consider the need for hormone therapy. If they recommend hormone therapy, your medical oncologist will prescribe and manage your care. Patients usually tolerate hormone therapy well.
Based on the type of breast cancer a patient has, the doctor determines whether to remove any lymph nodes in the axilla (armpit). This is a surgical procedure that can be done two ways: sentinel lymph node biopsy and axillary dissection. The surgeon will determine which procedure is appropriate for you.
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Learn more about sentinal lymph node biopsy from the National Cancer Institute. |
As an academic research center Norris Cotton Cancer Center is able to offer breast cancer patients the opportunity to take part in clinical trials of new treatments for breast cancer. Not all patients are eligible for a clinical trial. Consult your medical team for more information.
Physical therapy can help women who have limited arm or shoulder motion
following a breast cancer treatment. The Department
of Rehabilitation Medicine offers therapies that have been highly
successful in treating lymphedema, a swelling
condition that affects some women who have had breast cancer surgery.
