Breast cancer is the most frequent form of cancer among Costa Rican women. Each year, more than 1,000 cases are diagnosed in our country, with a rate of 55 cases per 100,000 women. At the Cancer and Hematology Center we have the medical equipment and technology to care for these patients.
Our medical team determines breast cancer treatment options based on the type of cancer, stage and grade, size, and whether the cancer cells are sensitive to hormones.
Treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or a combination of several of these.
For surgery, we have surgeons specialized in breast cancer. They will be able to remove the tumor, either by removing only part of the breast or its entirety (mastectomy). They can also extend the surgery under the arm to remove lymph nodes to where the cancer may have spread. In addition, we offer reconstructive surgery, either during the same procedure in which the tumor is removed, or later if the case warrants it.
When needed, our medical oncologists and radiation oncologists will determine the course of chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and/or radiotherapy necessary for each patient.
Each year, more than 150 breast cancer patients are diagnosed, treated and/or receive survivorship care at our institution.
