Texas Breast Center Article on Risk of Breast Cancer in Transgender People

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Dr. Valerie Gorman at the Texas Breast Center has released a new article about the potential risk of breast cancer for transgender men, women, and non-binary people. In Pride Month, it has been noted that there are few studies and little research being done on the topic of how transitioning–the process of changing one’s physical gender characteristics to those of the gender one identifies with–can affect breast cancer risk.

Breast Cancer In Transgender People

While many trans and non-binary people choose not to transition, those that do should be made aware of what this process will mean for them beyond just the potential surgeries or hormonal treatment plan. For AFAB (assigned female at birth) trans men or non-binary people, this process can include top surgery as well as testosterone treatments. Both of these steps help to minimize risk of breast cancer, though they will not eliminate risk completely. AMAB (assigned male at birth) trans women and non-binary people will often receive estrogen and progesterone hormone therapy. These two hormones are known to increase the risk of breast cancer in cisgender (those who are not transgender) women when they produce it naturally or are treated with it during menopause.

Dr. Gorman concluded that “those with the highest risk of breast cancer are the general female population, with cisgender women having the highest risk of all. Trans women follow after, then the general male population, with cisgender males having the lowest risk of breast cancer.” So, while a trans woman may have grown up without knowing to do regular self-breast checks, after beginning to transition, she will now need to take extra care to do so, even if her risk may not be as high as a cisgender woman’s risk. And a trans man’s risk may drop during and after transition, but that does not mean he should completely dismiss self-breast checks.

Dr. Gorman and the team at Texas Breast Center hope to help keep everyone informed about their potential risk of breast cancer, as well as how to minimize said risk. Her goal is to give every patient a unique and personalized treatment plan.

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Dr. Valerie Gorman Releases Article on Breast Cancer Screening

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Dr. Valerie Gorman of the Texas Breast Center released an article this week on the importance of
breast cancer screening. In the article, she discussed different screening methods as well as when
and how often different patients should be screened.

Dr. Gorman discussed on the difference between mammograms, breast MRIs, ultrasounds, and
clinical exams, explaining the pros and cons of each. For example, “Mammography is the easiest
screening test to access and has been found to find DCIS and other breast cancer tumors reliably,
and is best for average-risk women. However, 5-15% of mammograms need a follow-up by
another test for clarification.” These follow-ups usually take the form of one of the other tests
mentioned to get a more detailed look at any abnormalities within the breast or see past dense
breast tissue.

While it is recommended that breast self-checks begin as breasts start development, professional
screening starts later. Depending on personal history, family history, and other risk factors,
clinical breast screening begins around the age of 25.

Dr. Gorman advises speaking with a doctor or medical professional to decide on the best rate and
method of breast cancer screening. Dr. Gorman is a breast surgeon with a specialty in surgical
oncology and surgical diseases in the breast. She is the Chief of Surgery and Medical Director of
Surgical Services at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Waxahachie and is board certified
by the American Board of Surgery. She is committed to keeping her patients fully informed and
offering personalized and targeted breast cancer treatment plans.

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Article Released, Breast Cancer Recurrence: What and Why By Dr. Valerie Gorman

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Dr. Valerie Gorman released an article, Breast Cancer Recurrence: What and Why?, discussing breast cancer recurrence, or the return of breast cancer after being cancer free. She discusses causes, risks, and treatment of recurrent cancer so that her patients, or any patients, can know what to look for pre-emptively, and what to expect should their cancer come back.

Recurring Breast Cancer

Recurrence traditionally happens within the first few years after initial treatment, and happens in a minority of patients. It can come back in three forms: local, regional, or distant. Local recurrence indicates that cancer has grown back in the same place it grew in the first place. Regional recurrence means the cancer is still near the breasts, but has infected the lymph nodes. Distance recurrence has spread to other organs around the body. Each of these types can require a unique treatment plan.

However, before treatment is necessary, cancer-free patients must keep an eye out for any signs of cancer coming back. Dr. Gorman advises that, “Regular self-breast checks are just as necessary after breast cancer treatments as they are before,” and encourages keeping an eye out for the signs or symptoms of the three types of recurrences.

Dr. Gorman and her team will work with you from your first diagnosis through creating your personalize treatment plan and long after treatment is finished to ensure that you are informed and healthy. They know that you may always want a support team with you should questions arise or your cancer return, and they are there to be that for you.

The Texas Breast Center is ready to help new and old patients with breast related diseases. Dr. Gorman specializes in surgical breast diseases and surgical oncology. She is the Chief of Surgery and Medical Director of Surgical Services at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center.

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Texas Breast Center Released Article on Mastectomy FAQs

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Valerie Gorman, MD, FACS released an article, “FAQs About Mastectomy” answering frequently asked questions about mastectomies. The purpose of this article is to help clear confusion on topics such as types of mastectomy, recovery after mastectomy, risks of mastectomy, and more to help patients with breast cancer.


Dr. Gorman and her team take a patient-centered approach, always taking care to answer their patients’ questions. Here she takes the chance to answer questions for more than just her own patients.

 

When asked about breast reconstruction, her article answers:

 

Not everyone has breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. For example, those having lumpectomies do not necessarily need one, because a majority of the breast tissue is left alone in the breast. With a mastectomy, reconstruction is more likely as all the tissue was removed. However, it really is up to the patient. Talk to your surgeon about your preferences so that they can be informed when discussing your options with you.

 

Dr. Gorman always encourages discussion and questions between doctor and patient to ensure full understanding on both sides. Another question she covers in her article is, “What do I ask my surgeon?” Rather than providing information, she provides a few questions to considers and encourages patients to come up with questions for themselves.

 

All patients should know what they are getting into, especially with breast cancer surgery, and “there really are no stupid questions. None. This is your surgery, you deserve to know about it […] Ask away”. If you have questions about mastectomies, Dr. Gorman may have answered them. But never be afraid to ask again.

 

Dr. Valerie J. Gorman serves at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center in Waxahachie as Chief of Surgery and Medical Directory of Surgical Services. She specializes in surgical oncology, specifically of the breast, and other surgical diseases. She is certified by the American Board of Surgery.

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Texas Breast Center Releases Article on The Financial Cost of Breast Cancer

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Texas Breast Center in Waxahachie released an article discussing the cost of breast cancer treatment to patients. In the article, “The Cost of Breast Cancer Treatment: What are the Contributing Factors?” Dr. Valerie Gorman discusses various components that can affect the overall financial burden breast cancer can be.

One of these factors is the kind of treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination. Another factor is the stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis. For example, “for those with stage 0 cancer, the average cost of treatment at twelve months after diagnosis was $60, 637…[while] at stage IV, the most difficult to treat, the average treatment costs were $134,682 at twelve months.”

Breast Cancer Financial Costs

Health insurance is another factor discussed. Having health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid can affect the cost of medications, treatments, and even appointments.

Researchers in North Carolina found that patients who received a cancer diagnosis and did not have insurance or Medicare paid $6,711 for medication, while those with insurance paid $3,616 and those with Medicare paid $3,090 simply because they do not have the means to negotiate for a lower price.

All of these factors come together to cause an average cost of $85,772 per patient within their first year after being diagnosed with breast cancer. The number jumps to $103,735 after the second year. While breast cancer is not something anyone wants, it is something to be prepared for, at least financially, if possible. And your medical team is willing to work with you to meet your needs.

Dr. Valerie J. Gorman, MD, FACS, offers a personalized approach to breast cancer treatment, taking into account all the factors that will affect the cost and your ultimate recovery. She serves as the Chief of Surgery and Medical Director of Surgical Services at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, and she is board certified by the American Board of Surgery.

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Texas Breast Center’s Article on Seroma & Fluid Collection After Breast Cancer

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Valerie Gorman, MD, FACS has just released an article on seromas, a potential side effect of breast cancer surgery. Dr. Gorman published the article to inform patients about the possible risks and lack thereof that accompany seroma.

Seroma, a collection of fluid where removed tissues once were, is a common side effect and can be harmless. In most cases, a seroma will take care of itself, as the body will reabsorb the fluids.

Seroma Breast Cancer Surgery Texas Side Effects

Doctor Gorman discusses treatment for the more stubborn seromas, which can require:

insert[ing] a needle into the seroma and then drain[ing] the excess fluid out of it. In some cases, this procedure may need to be repeated on more than two or three occasions. If the fluid continues to return even after numerous drainings, then some doctors may decide that a minor operation to remove the seroma entirely might be the best option, or to place a drain temporarily.

Some potential risk factors for seromas are age, breast size, previous biopsy surgery, use of certain medications, and history of seromas, though Dr. Gorman states that none of these factors ensure a seroma.

Dr. Valerie J. Gorman is a breast surgeon who specializes in surgical oncology and other surgical diseases–specifically of the breast–and is certified by the American Board of Surgery. She serves at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Waxahachie as Chief of Surgery and Medical Director of Surgical Services.

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