Methodist Healthcare System | Keeping Well | Spring 2018

T H i d d e n S c a r T M Denise Vincent (R) and her mom, Nancy Drexler K E E P I N G W E L L 6 S P R I N G 2 0 1 8 Methodist Hospital Named Center for HIDDEN SCAR ™ BREAST CANCER SURGERY Mother and Daughter Are Fighting Cancer Together Hidden scar surgery was an option that helped Denise Vincent take a proactive approach to her health. Her mother survived cancer in both breasts and is currently being treated for ovarian cancer. Vincent, 49, knew she wanted to learn more about her own health. Testing indicated that both Vincent and her mother are BRCA positive. This means that they have a mutation in one of the breast cancer genes, BRCA1 or BRCA2, and a much higher risk of developing breast cancer or ovarian cancer compared with someone who does not have the mutation. Vincent thoroughly researched her surgical options and turned to Steven Pisano, M.D., at PRMA Plastic Surgery, for a nipple-sparing double mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction and the Hidden Scar™ surgery approach. The surgery was performed in December at Methodist Hospital. The breast program at Methodist Hospital has been rec- ognized as a Hidden Scar™ Breast Cancer Surgery Center. Vincent’s results were excellent. “When I was fitted for a bra recently, the sales person commented how natural my breasts looked,” said Vincent. “You really can’t tell that any surgery has been done, and the scarring that is part of the Hidden Scar™ surgery approach is already beginning to fade.” “The care I received at Method- ist Hospital was fantastic,” she continued. With the procedure, Vincent, a resident of Austin, has reduced her risk for breast cancer and ovarian cancer, as she helps her mom, Nancy Drexler, who lives in Waco, live with ovarian cancer. HE BREAST PROGRAM at Methodist Hospital has been recognized as a Hidden Scar Center for Hidden Scar™ Breast Cancer Surgery. This advanced approach to breast cancer surgery hides scars, minimizing the daily emotional reminder of a breast cancer diagnosis. Methodist Hospital is expanding options for women in San Antonio and South Texas with a proce- dure that effectively treats cancer while optimizing cosmetic results. Each year, over 400,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer that requires surgery. In San Antonio and South Texas, 1 in 8 women will be impacted, with many unaware of all the surgical options available, including minimally invasive approaches that can help restore their self-image and allow them to begin the emotional healing process. This procedure allows surgeons at Methodist Hospital to remove the cancerous tissue through a single incision made in an inconspicuous area, preserving the natural shape of the breast while reducing visible scarring. Patients who undergo this approach ex- perience optimal clinical and cosmetic outcomes, and are at no higher risk of recurrence than patients who undergo any other surgical technique. “Nipple-sparing mastectomy is the lat- est evolution in mastectomy technique. The procedure preserves the entire skin envelope as well as the nipple-areola. Only the underlying breast tissue is re- moved,” said Minas Chrysopoulo, MD, FACS, with PRMA Plastic Surgery. “When combined with immediate breast reconstruction, nipple-sparing mastec- tomy provides superior cosmetic results without compromising cancer treatment. Standard mastectomy approaches leave a permanent, visible scar on the breast. A mastectomy using this procedure places the final scar in the natural crease beneath the breast, called the inframammary fold. By preserving the nipple-areola and plac- ing the scars in the crease, patients avoid all obvious visible reminders of their sur- gery.” Dr. Chrysopoulo performs breast reconstruction procedures at Methodist Hospital. Performing breast cancer surgery through a smaller incision requires con- sistent illumination throughout the surgi- cal cavity so surgeons can clearly see and effectively remove the tumor. Methodist Hospital is using new technology to im- prove their visibility during procedures, such as lumpectomy and nipple sparing mastectomy—enabling them to perform complex, in-demand surgeries with greater confidence, and give more women access to transformative options. For more information, visit sahealth.com/service/ hidden-scar-procedures . New Designation Allows for Advanced Approach to Remove Breast Cancer and Minimize Scarring