Malignant Breast Disease Gold Coast

Malignant breast disease is another term for breast cancer. It develops when cells in the breast change and grow in an uncontrolled way, and these cells can invade surrounding tissue or spread to other parts of the body. Breast cancer mainly affects women, but men can also develop it.

Breast cancer is broadly grouped into non-invasive (in situ) and invasive cancer. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) means abnormal cells are contained within the milk ducts. Invasive breast cancer means the cancer cells have grown beyond the ducts or lobules into the surrounding breast tissue. Your pathology report describes the type, grade and receptor status of the cancer, which helps guide your treatment.

The main operations are breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy, often combined with surgery to the lymph nodes in the armpit (axilla). Breast-conserving surgery, sometimes called a lumpectomy or wide local excision, removes the cancer with a margin of healthy tissue while keeping the rest of the breast. A mastectomy removes the whole breast. A sentinel lymph node biopsy or other axillary surgery checks whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Dr Gault operates at Pindara Private Hospital, Benowa.

Your surgery is chosen with you, not for you. Dr Gault considers the size, type and location of the cancer, the size of your breast, your general health and your own preferences. Your care is also planned within a multidisciplinary team, which can include surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and breast care nurses, so that each part of your treatment fits together.

Yes. Oncoplastic breast surgery combines cancer removal with plastic surgery techniques to reshape the remaining breast tissue, with the aim of keeping a more natural breast shape. Dr Gault has been a member of Breast Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand (BreastSurgANZ) since its inception in 2010 and has met the BreastSurgANZ training requirements to perform oncoplastic and reconstructive techniques. Removing the cancer safely always comes first, and the appearance of the breast after surgery differs from person to person.

Many people do, depending on the type and stage of their cancer. Treatment may include radiotherapy, which is commonly recommended after breast-conserving surgery, as well as chemotherapy, hormone (endocrine) therapy or targeted therapy. Some of these treatments may be given before surgery. Dr Gault works with your medical and radiation oncologists as part of your multidisciplinary care.

Yes. Reconstruction can be discussed as part of your surgical planning, either at the same time as a mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or at a later date (delayed reconstruction). Dr Gault performs non-flap reconstruction. If a flap reconstruction, which uses tissue from another part of your body, is a better option for you, he can refer you to an appropriate reconstructive surgeon.

You will have access to our breast care nurse, Julie, who supports you and your family through diagnosis, surgery and recovery. Care continues after surgery through survivorship and follow-up. Breast Cancer Network Australia also offers free information and support services.

A referral from your GP or another medical practitioner is needed to claim a Medicare rebate for a specialist consultation. Please bring your referral to your first appointment or ask your GP to send it to our rooms beforehand.

Please bring your referral, all breast imaging films and reports (such as mammograms, ultrasounds and MRI scans), any biopsy or pathology results, a list of your current medications and allergies, and your Medicare and private health insurance details. It can help to write down your questions beforehand, and many people find it useful to bring a support person.

Costs vary depending on the procedure, the hospital and your level of health insurance cover. Please contact our rooms on (07) 5539 3999 to discuss the likely costs for your situation. You may also wish to check with your private health fund about your cover and any excess.

You can book by calling (07) 5539 3999 or by sending a message through the Quick Enquiry form on this page. Our rooms are at Suite 11, Pindara Place, 13 Carrara Street, Benowa QLD 4217.