Breast Cancer Care at NTT Medical Centre Tokyo
What We Offer at Our Breast Center
Our Breast Center is a one-stop service that provides a range of services including examinations and diagnosis, as well as treatment options including surgical and non-surgical treatments. Our patients are able to receive comprehensive breast cancer treatment at our hospital without having to travel to multiple different medical facilities.
If you are international residents/non residents, and would like the medical services in English or any other languages, please contact our Department of International Healthcare.
Together, We Select the Best Treatment Options for Breast Cancer
People with breast cancer who seek care at NTT Medical Centre will find dedicated breast cancer specialists who provide expert, personalized care using the latest treatment innovations and technology. Your care team considers your overall health and what you prefer. If you notice any change with your breast, please consult with one of our highly trained physicians who would be able to assist you, regardless of your gender.
In comparison to other types of cancer, breast cancer is known to be more responsive to treatments such as drug and radiation therapies and some innovative drugs have been developed more recently. NTT Medical Centre doctors have access to the latest technology and techniques to diagnose and treat breast cancer. The prognosis of breast cancer is good if appropriate treatment is given at an early stage.
Breast Cancer Treatment at NTT Medical Center Tokyo
There are many options for breast cancer treatment. It can feel overwhelming to consider all the options and make complex decisions about your care. Your breast cancer team keeps up on the latest evidence and incorporates this into your treatment plan.
Surgical Therapy
Surgical treatment for breast cancer includes Lumpectomy (breast conservation surgery), mastectomy (total mastectomy), nipple-sparing mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery.
Lumpectomy (breast conservation surgery)
Lumpectomy is a surgical procedure in which the breast cancer is removed from the part of the breast and allows preservation of the shape of the breastafter surgical treatment.
This procedure is usually recommended for patients whose breast cancer size is approximately 3 cm or less. The procedure is superior in terms of cosmetic outcomes compared to total mastectomy as the area of removal is relatively smaller in size. Lumpectomy is often performed in combination with radiation therapy.
Mastectomy (total mastectomy)
Nipple-sparing mastectomy aims to preserve the nipple and areola in addition to the breast skin. The procedure has the advantage in that the breast can be maintained in a relatively more natural shape by combining with breast reconstruction surgery. If you are concerned about the cosmetic outcomes of the surgery, one of our doctors would be happy to discuss the options with you.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Utilizing advanced surgical techniques to perform breast reconstruction techniques to create a new breast using your own tissue.
Breast reconstruction surgery is a procedure to reconstruct the breast lost by mastectomy. We use advanced techniques using autologous tissue (part of the patient’s own body such as the stomach or back) and artificial devices (silicone implants) to optimize the appearance of your reconstructed breast. By reconstructing the breast using advanced plastic surgery techniques, we hope to improve our patients’ confidence post-surgery.
Drug Therapy
The drugs selected for breast cancer would depend on the spread and nature of the cancer. NTT Medical Centre Tokyo offers a truly integrated practice, with a variety of specialists regularly working together and meeting to discuss cases. This ensures that you receive whole-person care that takes into account all of your needs.
Hormonal Therapy
Hormone therapy to treat breast cancer uses drugs or treatments to lower levels or block the action of female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) in a woman’s body. This helps slow the growth of many breast cancers.
Hormone therapy makes cancer less likely to return after breast cancer surgery. It also slows the growth of breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy treats cancer with strong medicines. It can kill any cancer cells that might remain and lower the risk of the cancer coming back.
Treatment often involves a combination of chemotherapy medicines. Most are given through a vein and some are available in pill form. Chemotherapy for breast cancer is used either before or after surgery.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy is an advanced way to treat specific characteristics of cancer cells. For example, some targeted therapy can block the chemical signals that allow cancer cells to grow and function.
Radiation Therapy
Generally, patients receive radiation therapy after part of the breast is removed in a procedure called a lumpectomy or breast-conserving surgery. Radiation is used to get rid of any cancer cells that may be left in the body. This helps prevent the cancer from coming back.
Radiation therapy is sometimes combined with other treatments as needed because of its effectiveness in reducing the size of the cancer.
If you are international residents/non residents, and would like the medical services in English or any other languages, please contact our Department of International Healthcare.