Cayuga Health is passionate about supporting breast health. Cayuga Cancer Center’s breast health program offers comprehensive care, from preventive care to screening services, award winning treatment (accredited by the Commission on Cancer), and integrative services through our survivorship program. Our experienced interdisciplinary team provides the newest treatment protocols in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy, including participation in clinical trials.
Treatment and follow-up services are available at several locations in Cortland, Tompkins, and Schuyler Counties. Our newest location at Cayuga Park boasts integrated breast health and cancer treatment all in one location. Treatment for all cancer diagnoses is possible, and specialized breast care is one focus.
Imaging Services
Successful treatment relies on the critical components of cancer detection and diagnosis. Our mammography and imaging services are available in multiple locations, including Cayuga Medical Center, Cayuga Park, in northeast Ithaca and on Commons Ave. in Cortland. We also have a new mammography suite at Schuyler Hospital in Montour Falls. We stay at the front of current developments with a comprehensive range of radiologic and imaging technology, accredited by the American College of Radiology. The modalities we offer enable physicians to detect disease early, when it is most responsive to treatment. These include:
Mammograms and waiting for exam results can make patients anxious. We recognize the significance of patient care and prioritize safety, comfort, advanced technology and tailored assistance. That is why we offer:
Medical oncology
Our board-certified hematologists, nurse navigators and oncologists work with our nursing team to provide breast cancer patients with the most up-to-date therapies. From neoadjuvant therapy to targeted therapies for advanced disease, the team works to identify the optimal treatment to target the specific needs of everyone’s diagnosis. In addition to routine interdisciplinary review of breast cancer cases, our physicians collaborate with colleagues at tertiary care centers across the nation.
Surgery
Cayuga Health is proud to offer specialized surgery from fellowship-trained breast surgeon Dr. Tran Huynh. Dr. Huynh’s expertise allows patients to receive the most advanced surgical techniques, including breast conservation (lumpectomy) and optimal lymph node tracing with dual mapping. The team evaluates and discusses each case to ensure the best plan of care. Our primary focus during surgical treatment is to maintain physical function and minimize disfigurement or scarring. Collaboration with board-certified plastic surgeons provides patients the opportunity for reconstruction when desired.
Radiation oncology
In a state-of-the-art facility next to the medical center, our new accelerator offers leading-edge technology (such as respiratory gating for patients with lung and breast cancer) and clinical trials to ensure radiation therapy patients have access to the latest radiation therapies.
Laboratory and pathology
Cayuga Health’s laboratories are under the direction of Elizabeth Plocharczyk, MD, a nationally recognized specialist in cytopathology, which is the study and diagnosis of disease at the cellular level and plays an essential role in the identification and staging of cancer. Our pathologists are involved with patient care through an interdisciplinary review of pathologic results and interpretation of special tests. Our laboratory’s affiliation with the renowned Mayo Medical Laboratories allows us to conduct advanced diagnostics and special testing when needed.
Hannah Potts is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with a doctorate in nursing and an advanced certification in adult oncology. Cayuga Cancer Center’s four medical oncology offices are in Cortland, downtown Ithaca, Cayuga Health’s East Campus, and Schuyler Hospital. Call (607) 272-5414 for all locations.
