Steven A. Sandler, M.D.
Board-Certified in
Hematology & Oncology
Telephone Numbers
Office: (847) 933-0875
Fax: (847) 933-0878
Answering Service: (773) 594-7340
Skokie Office
9669 Kenton, Suite 510
Skokie, IL 60076
Map and directions
Chicago Office
7447 W. Talcott Ave., Suite 318
Chicago, IL 60631
Map and directions
Call us at 847-933-0875 or send Dr. Sandler a message via the form below. Please note that this form is for non-emergencies only.
Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Treatment
About Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that starts in the cells of the breast. A malignant tumor is a group of cancer cells that may grow into surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body. The disease occurs almost entirely in women but men can get it too.
The first type of breast cancer is local and forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (the tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (the glands that make milk). Invasive, or systemic, breast cancer can spread to the rest of the body through the lymph nodes in the armpit.
Signs and Symptoms of breast cancer may include:
- A painless lump in the breast or underarm that persists after your menstrual cycle; often the first apparent symptom of breast cancer
- Swelling in the armpit
- Pain, tenderness, noticeable flattening or indentation in the breast
- Any change in the size, contour, texture, or temperature of the breast; a reddish, pitted surface like the skin of an orange could be a sign of advanced breast cancer
- A change in the nipple, such as an indrawn or dimpled look, itching or burning sensation, or ulceration
- Unusual discharge from the nipple that may be clear, bloody, or another color
- A marble-like area under the skin
Breast Cancer Treatment
The treatment of breast cancer depends on the type of cancer, location and stage of the tumor, and on some important "tumor markers" determined by laboratory tests. Local breast cancer is usually treated by a surgical process called lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy to prevent recurrence.
Stage 1 and 2 breast cancer is usually treated with a lumpectomy and sometimes the removal of the axillary lymph nodes. Occasionally, mastectomy, or removal of the breast, is necessary. After surgery, patients undergo accelerated whole breast irradiation or partial breast irradiation depending on the size of the lump removed. Depending on several factors, the patient may be a candidate for chemotherapy and/or hormonal treatment.
Stage 3 breast cancer is usually treated with a mastectomy, although some patients respond well to treatment to shrink the tumor followed by breast-conserving surgery. The axillary lymph nodes are also evaluated through lymph node biopsy. Patients often require a combination of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy.
Hormone replacement therapy is given to prevent the return of breast cancer. Sandler Cancer Treatment Centers also use Herceptin, a biological treatment therapy that uses the body’s own immune system to fight off cancer cells. This works remarkably well in certain patients and has very few side effects.
Stage 4 breast cancer represents metastatic disease where cancer has spread beyond the breasts. This is a more serious form of breast cancer. There have been some remarkable improvements in the treatment of Stage 4 breast cancer and we have many patients who recover fully and live symptom-free. This treatment may include radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and some of the new biological agents, such as Avastin, which interferes with the blood supply to the tumor, and Herceptin.
Sandler Cancer Treatment Centers can offer the latest treatments available through clinical trials if patients are eligible and desire treatment still in the experimental stage.
