Hospital Opens new Silver Cross Breast Center at the Center for Women’s Health
Silver Cross has made it even easier for patients to see a specialist in the new Silver Cross Breast Center at the Center for Women’s Health located in Pavilion B.
Effective Oct. 2, the following surgeons will consult with patients and provide pre-and post-surgical care in the Silver Cross Breast Center:
These surgeons are trained to evaluate and manage patients with breast pain, benign lumps and cysts and abnormal mammograms, in addition to breast cancer.
“Decisions about surgery are personal and depend on many factors,” said Dr. Laura Ragauskaite, Medical Director of the Silver Cross Breast Center. “We look at the stage of cancer, its characteristics, and what is the best individual treatment for the patient. Oftentimes cases are reviewed at our weekly Multi-Disciplinary Breast Conference so patients can begin treatment immediately.”
Whether diagnosed at Silver Cross or elsewhere, Neda Zelehovitis, certified breast health nurse in the Center for Women’s Health, will schedule the initial appointment and assist in coordinating the next steps in care including any additional testing such as breast ultrasound, breast MRI, or stereotactic breast biopsy to determine whether a lump is benign or cancerous. Results are read by a fellowship trained breast radiologist.
“Our goal is to get patients in to see the surgeon on their time table,” said Marci Vasiliades, Director of Imaging Services at Silver Cross Hospital. “For some that may mean walking over to the surgeon’s office the same day as diagnosis. For others, it could be days later after having time to talk with family and friends.”
Convenient, Comprehensive Care
If it is determined that surgery is the best option, the procedure will be performed in one of our operating suites followed by a short stay in the hospital; although some patients may go home the same day. If chemotherapy or radiation therapy is recommended, the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center at Silver Cross is just steps away from the Breast Center offering the latest clinical trials, genetic testing and counseling and advanced techniques including Prone Breast Radiation Therapy.
After surgery, sometimes patients experience lymphedema. At Silver Cross, therapists with the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab (formerly Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago) are available to help patients find relief – both in the hospital and home. And through Siona Boutique inside the Cancer Center, patients have access to a variety of specialized products to help them look good and feel better.
To refer a patient to the Silver Cross Breast Center, call (815) 300-6350.
