(Napa, Calif. – September 26, 2017) St. Joseph Health, Queen of the Valley Medical Center announced that Elizabeth
Cunningham, MD, F.A.C.S. a board-certified general surgeon and fellowship-trained
surgical oncologist who specializes in breast surgery at Queen of the
Valley Medical Center, has been recognized as a Hidden Scar Trained Surgeon for
Hidden Scar™ Breast Cancer Surgery. Elizabeth Cunningham, MD, is one of only two surgeons trained and certified
to perform Hidden Scar lumpectomies or nipple sparring mastectomies in
the North Bay, and the only surgeon to perform these surgeries in Napa.
This advanced approach to breast cancer surgery hides scars, minimizing
the daily emotional reminder of a breast cancer diagnosis and optimizing
cosmetic results1. For Hidden Scar mastectomies, the breast surgeon makes an incision in
a discreet location in the natural tissue beneath the breast (the inframammary
fold). For lumpectomies, the surgeon may opt to make the incision in the
inframammary fold, under the armpit, or by tracing the nipple. This technique
is an alternative to removing the tumor from the skin above its location,
which leaves a more noticeable scar on the breast.
“After a traditional lumpectomy or mastectomy, some women may experience
a dimple in the breast. The Hidden Scar approach allows me to remove the
tumor from a discreet location on, or around the breast, so I can preserve
the breast tissue and natural contours of the breast,” said Dr.
Cunningham.
Performing Hidden Scar breast cancer surgery requires consistent illumination
throughout the surgical cavity. Queen of the Valley Medical Center, a
Hidden Scar Center, recently purchased a new, minimally-invasive technology,
the Eikon™ LT Illuminated Retractor System, which enhances the illumination
of the surgical area during Hidden Scar breast surgeries.
“This minimally-invasive procedure is making a huge difference in
the lives of our patients, especially women diagnosed with breast cancer,”
said Amy Herold, MD, OB/GYN, Chief Medical Officer of Queen of the Valley.
“We are thrilled to provide this surgical technology that ensures
our surgeons can provide best results possible for our patients.”
According to Dr. Cunningham, oncoplastic surgery is combining the latest
plastic surgery techniques with breast surgical oncology, “These
retractors enable me to perform more advanced oncoplastic procedures and
make it easier to reshape the breast.”
More than 50 women had breast disease in Napa County in 2016. Each year,
approximately 405,0002,3 women are diagnosed with breast cancer that requires surgery, with many
unaware of all the surgical options available, including this minimally
invasive approach that can help restore a woman’s self-image and
allow them to begin the emotional healing process. Patients who have Hidden
Scar breast surgery experience optimal clinical and cosmetic outcomes,
and are at no higher risk of recurrence than patients who undergo any
other surgical technique.4
For more information about Queen of the Valley’s Breast Program,
visit www.TheQueen.org/breastsurgery. For more information on Hidden Scar, visit
www.breastcancersurgery.com.
About Queen of the Valley Medical Center
Queen of the Valley Medical Center is a 208-bed, acute-care facility founded
by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange. The Queen is the largest health
care facility and one of the largest employers in Napa County. Services
provided include a Regional Heart Center, a Regional Orthopedic Center,
a Regional Cancer Center approved with commendations by the American College
of Surgeons, the Peggy Herman Neuroscience Center, maternity and infant
care, inpatient and outpatient minimally invasive surgery, and full-service
emergency department, among many other specialty services. More information
about Queen of the Valley Medical Center can be found at
www.thequeen.org.
About
Invuity, Inc. (Nasdaq: IVTY):
Invuity, Inc. is a medical technology company focused on developing and
marketing advanced photonics devices to improve the ability of surgeons
to illuminate and visualize the surgical cavity during open minimally
invasive and minimal access surgery. The company's patented Intelligent
Photonics™ technology enables enhanced surgical precision, efficiency
and safety by providing superior visualization. Clinical applications
include breast and thyroid oncology, plastic reconstructive, spine, orthopedic,
cardiothoracic and general surgery among others. Invuity is headquartered
in San Francisco, CA. For more information, visit
www.invuity.com.
- LIT 11195 Nipple Sparing Mastectomy and the Advent of an Enabling Surgical
Illumination and Visualization System. Clinical Experience Survey of Thought
Leaders in Breast Surgery.
-
2014 US Census Estimate.
http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=bkmk
- American Cancer Society. Breast Cancer Facts and Figures 2011-2012
- Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy for Breast Cancer and Risk Reduction: Oncologic
or Technical Problem? Sacchini, V., et. al., American College of Surgeons.
2006. doi:10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2006.07.015