At Western Surgical Care, our goal is to ensure the health and well-being of all of our patients. When it comes to the treatment of breast cancer, there is the unfortunate chance that the cancer may reoccur following surgical removal. In order to reduce this risk, we offer intra-operative radiation therapy (IORT)that provides immediate additional care to the treated area while reducing radiation exposure to the surrounding healthy breast tissue.

How Does Intra-Operative Radiation Therapy Work?

During a lumpectomy to remove a tumor from the breast, a round applicator is inserted into the cavity in the breast where the tumor was. This applicator emits low-energy X-rays to deliver radiation to the surrounding breast tissue. This radiation can eliminate any remaining cancer cells in the area which reduces the chances of the cancer reoccurring.

IORT offers a number of benefits. Since the treatment is applied directly to the area, it avoids exposing larger areas of the body to radiation which reduces the likelihood of experiencing any unwanted and debilitating side effects. This also means that patients are able to avoid having to go to radiation centers post-surgery for radiation treatments. The direct and concentrated treatment also increases the chance of destroying all the microscopic tumor cells. IORT is also typically less expensive than other post-surgical treatment options.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you would like to know if you are a good candidate for intra-operative radiation therapy, contact Western Surgical Care today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Joyce Moore. Dr. Moore is a general surgeon who specializes in the treatment of breast cancer. She can provide you with the personalized care you need.