Partner with a Physician Specializing in Breast Surgery

Finding an underarm or breast lump or noticing changes in the skin and nipple can cause great distress. Finding a reputable breast surgeon, one who is well regarded by patients and peers, will provide a reassuring plan of action. Dr. Nicole Basa is one of the few Austin surgeons certified in breast ultrasound by the American Society of Breast Surgeons, and she provides the latest in diagnostic imaging so that you quickly find answers and resolution.

Your breast surgeon completed fellowship training in minimally invasive surgery at UCLA and is recognized as one of the Southwest’s most proficient breast surgeons.

Should Dr. Basa find a non-malignant breast mass during your in-office sonogram, she will aspirate the cyst or remove the mass using a thin, flexible needle and the Terason Ultrasound Imaging System. During the same procedure, she may biopsy the mass so that you do not need to make a secondary appointment with a radiologist.

Women are finding breast cancer at earlier stages, so you are likely to have a positive outcome. We are also able to more efficiently treat breast cancer with newer methods with partial breast irradiation administered through a SAVI applicator that preserves breast tissue and reduces radiation time from six weeks to five days. There is good cause to hope!

In-office procedures include:
Breast sonography
Needle biopsy
Cyst aspiration
SAVI and MammoSite placement
Removal of breast masses

About Breast Cancer Surgery

You will have many decisions to make prior to surgery for breast cancer, but your diagnosis will broaden or limit your options. Dr. Basa will thoroughly explain all of the factors to consider when deciding between lumpectomy also known medically as a partial mastectomy (breast-conserving surgery) and mastectomy (breast removal).

Women with early-stage breast cancer, with evidence of cancer present in only one site, a tumor under 4 cm and tissue that is free of cancer cells (referred to as negative or clear margins), benefit from a less invasive approach. Dr. Basa will explain what she considers to be clear margins, and how she prepares the breast for post-surgical radiation or chemotherapy followed by radiation.

Exploration of the lymph nodes under the arm will yield more information about the cancer progression.

• Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) involves removing the lymph nodes under the arm.
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) targets only the nodes that a dye test shows to be the first (sentinel) nodes in the path of the bloodstream from the cancer site. A sentinel lymph node biopsy greatly reduces the risk for lymphedema or arm swelling.

Every action that you take has life-altering consequences, so Dr. Basa always provides attentive care, extensive patient resources and open, ongoing communication before and after breast surgery.

When Breast Cancer Surgical Plans Include Mastectomy

According to Breast Cancer.org, women in the U.S., particularly in the Southern U.S., tend to choose mastectomies as a course of treatment. If you and your clinical care team feel like that is the best option for you, Dr. Basa will explain the variables.

• Simple mastectomy
• Skin-sparing mastectomy
• Nipple-sparing mastectomy
• Modified radical mastectomy

Having an accurate diagnosis, including staging of the cancer, is imperative for
moving forward with confidence and planning for reconstruction. Our Cedar Park surgery staff will surround you with compassionate and supportive care, preparing you for what to expect before, during and after your procedures.

If you are concerned with a recent finding or suspect you may have breast cancer, contact Cedar Park Surgeons for an expedited appointment with Dr. Basa.