Breast Health Consultation in Zurich

This specialized consultation is dedicated to the assessment of complaints, early detection of diseases, and counseling on all aspects of breast health. It begins with a detailed conversation where your questions and concerns are addressed. If needed, targeted preventive examinations such as palpation and breast ultrasound are performed. I may also conduct a cyst aspiration or fine-needle biopsy to investigate abnormalities or assess risk.

Breast ultrasound has the advantage of being radiation-free. In contrast, a mammogram uses low-dose X-rays to image the breast tissue. Nevertheless, the radiation exposure is minimal and outweighed by the benefits of early detection. The goal of these check-ups is to establish a precise diagnosis and create a care plan tailored to your needs. If the findings are unclear or additional indications are present, you will be referred for a mammogram. Post-cancer follow-ups are also part of this consultation and support your recovery.

The consultation is intended for women with questions or symptoms related to their breasts, noticeable changes, a family history of breast cancer, or known risk factors. It is also suitable for women who wish to monitor their breast health preventively. You should schedule an appointment if you notice changes in your breasts, such as lumps, swelling, firmness, or pain. The consultation is also available to clarify any uncertainties regarding preventive care, treatment options, or follow-up care.

Common reasons for scheduling a breast consultation:

• Breast changes such as lumps, swelling, or hardening
• Pain in the breast tissue
• Family history or known risk of breast cancer
• Follow-up after breast cancer
• Preventive care even without acute symptoms

Yes, preventive check-ups are important even without symptoms. Prevention is a key part of breast health, and regular screenings help detect changes in breast tissue early. This is especially important if breast cancer or other cancers run in your family. The breast consultation provides an excellent opportunity to discuss your individual risk and develop an appropriate prevention strategy. After breast cancer, follow-up visits help detect any recurrence of the disease early and initiate timely treatment.

Follow-up care after breast cancer includes regular examinations to detect recurrence early and begin treatment promptly. This includes physical examinations, imaging techniques like mammography or ultrasound, and blood tests. Just as important are support services that promote physical and emotional recovery, including rehabilitation or psycho-oncological care. Adjusting your lifestyle or continuing hormone therapy may also be part of follow-up care.

Yes, a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of malignant changes in breast tissue. A balanced diet, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight are essential. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol intake can also reduce risk. Minimizing stress and getting enough sleep are further helpful measures. Women at increased risk may benefit from additional options such as preventive medications or surgeries, which can be discussed individually during the consultation.

Treatment depends on the type, stage, and individual needs. Common options include surgical tumor removal, possibly a mastectomy (removal of breast tissue or the entire breast), followed by radiation or chemotherapy. Reconstructive procedures may be performed afterward, using implants or tissue flaps. Hormone therapy is used for hormone-sensitive tumors, and some cases require targeted or immunotherapies. Every treatment is individually planned and coordinated within an interdisciplinary team to ensure the best possible outcome.

Available treatment options include:

• Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) to remove the tumor
• Mastectomy in cases of multiple tumors or large growths
• Lymph node removal to limit cancer spread
• Hormone therapy for hormone-sensitive tumors
• Radiation and/or chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy to strengthen the immune system
• Antihormonal therapy for hormone-dependent breast cancer

After a mastectomy, the risk of developing breast cancer again is significantly reduced but not entirely eliminated. This is because it is nearly impossible to remove all breast tissue completely. Small remnants may remain in the chest wall, underarm area, or along the surgical scar. These remaining tissues can, under certain conditions, give rise to new tumors.

There is also a risk of metastatic cells spreading to other organs, such as bones, liver, or lungs. However, mastectomy remains a highly effective way to reduce breast cancer risk. The likelihood of recurrence is significantly lower compared to breast-conserving procedures, especially when follow-up care is strictly followed. If you notice symptoms like firmness, swelling, changes to the skin near the scar, or pain, it is essential to have them checked promptly.

The most important screening method is mammography, which is regularly recommended for women starting around age 50. Ultrasound and, in some cases, MRI may also be used, especially for women with dense breast tissue or increased risk. Self-examination plays a major role too, as many women detect changes such as lumps, swelling, or firmness on their own. Pain in the breast area should also be evaluated. These methods, combined with professional assessments, provide a comprehensive picture of breast health.