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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