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

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.