At Mount Nittany Health, we provide personalized care and support, ensuring every patient receives the medical treatment and emotional resources they need to navigate their journey. Our dedicated team of professionals collaborates to deliver comprehensive care, fostering a sense of empowerment and connection for patients and their families.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a complex disease that affects thousands of individuals every year. It develops when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the breast tissue, and is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Though less common, men can also develop breast cancer.
There are several types of breast cancer, including:
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): A noninvasive type that remains confined to the ducts.
- Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): The most common form that spreads beyond the ducts into surrounding tissue.
- Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC): A type that begins in the lobules and can extend to nearby tissue.
- Triple-negative breast cancer: A more aggressive type that lacks estrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors.
- HER2-positive breast cancer: A type characterized by an overexpression of the HER2 protein, which promotes cancer growth.
- Inflammatory breast cancer: A rare but aggressive form that causes redness and swelling of the breast, often without a detectable lump.
- Metastatic breast cancer (Stage IV): Cancer that has spread beyond the breast to distant organs. Treatment focuses on controlling disease and maintaining quality of life.
Symptoms may include a lump or thickening in the breast, changes in the skin or nipple, unusual discharge or pain in the area.
Risk factors for developing breast cancer include age, family history, genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2, hormonal influences and lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, obesity and physical inactivity. Environmental exposures may also play a role.
Regular screenings, such as mammograms, can help detect the disease in its early stages when it is most treatable.
Stages of breast cancer
Mount Nittany Health provides expert care for a wide range of breast cancer-related conditions, including:
- Early-stage breast cancer: Diagnosis and treatment to prevent progression
- Advanced or metastatic breast cancer: Comprehensive care for cancers that have spread to other areas of the body
- Recurrent breast cancer: Support and treatment for cancer that has returned after initial therapy
- High-risk patients: Monitoring and preventive care for those with a family history or genetic predisposition
- Benign breast conditions: Evaluation and management of noncancerous lumps, cysts or other abnormalities
Our multidisciplinary team works tirelessly to address the unique medical and emotional needs of each patient, ensuring a holistic approach to care.
Breast cancer treatments and services
Mount Nittany Health offers cutting-edge treatments and services to support every phase of breast cancer care:
- Screenings and diagnostics: Advanced imaging services, including 3D mammography (digital tomosynthesis),
- Lumpectomy: Surgery that removes the tumor while preserving most of the breast.
- Mastectomy: Surgery that removes the entire breast; may include reconstruction options.
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy: Procedure that checks if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
- Axillary lymph node dissection: Surgery that removes additional nodes if cancer is found.
- Radiation therapy: High-energy beams target and destroy cancer cells. Often used after lumpectomy or for more advanced disease.
- Chemotherapy: Anti-cancer drugs that slow or stop cancer growth. May be given before surgery (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant), depending on the cancer type and stage.
- Hormone (endocrine) therapy: Used for cancers that are hormone receptor-positive. These medications block hormones that fuel cancer cell growth.
- Targeted therapy: Treatments designed to specifically attack cancer cells with certain genetic or molecular features, such as HER2-positive breast cancer.
- Immunotherapy: Helps the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells — most often used for select triple-negative breast cancers.
- Clinical trials: Patients may have access to innovative therapies and emerging treatments through clinical research programs. Participation may provide additional options beyond standard therapy.
At Mount Nittany Health, we believe in whole-person care that extends beyond treatment. Whether you’re seeking support during diagnosis, active care or recovery, our dedicated team is here to guide and uplift you every step of the way.
Breast cancer locations in Central Pa.
Mount Nittany Health Radiation Oncology
Located in the Lance and Ellen Shaner Cancer Pavilion
255 Wellness Way, State College, PA, USA
814.234.6726
Mount Nittany Health Hematology & Oncology
Located in the Lance and Ellen Shaner Cancer Pavilion
255 Wellness Way, State College, PA, USA
814.231.7800
Mount Nittany Health Breast Care Center
143 Hospital Drive Suite 105, State College, PA, USA
814.234.6752