GSMC Recognition Center of Excellence for Breast Cancer Surgery

West Palm Beach, Fla. (September 16, 2016) – Good Samaritan Medical Center’s certified breast surgeons are expanding options for women in Palm Beach County and surrounding communities with a procedure that effectively treats cancer while optimizing cosmetic results. The hospital’s Breast Institute is the first in South Florida to be named a Center of Excellence for Hidden Scar™ Breast Cancer Surgery, an advanced approach for nipple sparing mastectomies and lumpectomies. This type of surgery hides scars, minimizing the daily emotional reminder of a breast cancer diagnosis.

“This designation is a testament to our firm commitment to provide women in Palm Beach County and beyond with a comprehensive range of high quality breast care services,” said Mark Nosacka, hospital CEO. "The physicians and staff at our Breast Institute work tirelessly to bring the latest in health care options to women in a compassionate and patient-centered way.”

Each year, about 232,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer that requires surgery. However, many are unaware of all the surgical options available to them, including minimally invasive approaches that can help restore their self-image and allow them to begin the emotional healing process. Hidden Scar™ Breast Cancer Surgery allows surgeons at Good Samaritan Medical Center to remove cancerous tissue through a single incision made in an inconspicuous area, preserving the natural shape of the breast while reducing visible scarring. Patients who undergo this approach experience optimal clinical and cosmetic outcomes, and are at no higher risk of recurrence than patients who undergo any other surgical technique.

“At Good Sam, our goal is to provide seamless, comprehensive care to our breast cancer patients,” said Dr. Sandra Sanchez, breast surgeon. “Whether it’s an annual mammogram or addressing a more serious concern, every patient deserves the best treatment available to them and the opportunity to live a healthy life.”

Performing breast cancer surgery through a smaller incision requires consistent illumination throughout the surgical cavity, so physicians can clearly see and effectively remove the tumor. Surgeons at Good Samaritan Medical Center are using Invuity’s Intelligent Photonics™ technology to improve their visibility during procedures, enabling them to perform complex, in-demand surgeries with greater confidence, and give more women access to transformative options.

“There are nearly 3 million breast cancer survivors in the United States, and we want to see this number increase,” said Dr. John Rimmer, breast surgeon. “By letting the women in our community know all of their options, we can potentially reduce their risk and help them make smarter healthcare choices.”

The Breast Institute at Good Samaritan Medical Center is a full-service breast cancer screening and treatment center. The institute offers low-dose screening and diagnostic mammography, breast cancer surgery, stereotactic biopsy, ultrasound, 3-D Automated Breast Ultrasound, CT scanning, 3TMRI, PET-CT, bone densitometry and support groups for breast cancer patients.