MedStar Health Cancer Network Adopts Advanced Breast Cancer Technology

BALTIMORE—(August 15, 2017)— Dr. Maen Farha, director of the MedStar Union Memorial and MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital breast centers, is the first and only physician in the state to offer patients electromagnetic wave technology to locate and remove breast lumps that are not detectable by touch. The medical device, approved by the Food and Drug Administration, uses real time guidance to deliver a reflector directly into the breast lump, giving a precise target that will be removed with the lump during surgery, up to 30 days later.

The standard treatment, known as wire localization and developed over three decades ago, requires a radiologist to insert a wire through the breast to the tumor, to guide the surgeon to the target tissue. But with the wire extending out of the breast skin until the biopsy or surgery, the procedure can be uncomfortable and plagued by scheduling challenges, making the patient experience less than optimal.

“The new technology uses radar to triangulate the reflector already placed in the breast tumor,” said Dr. Farha. “Patients can have the reflector inserted anytime within a week before the surgery, so the convenience factor alone is an advancement that we are pleased to be able to offer. More importantly is the level of precision afforded by this technology gives us an increased probability of removing all the cancer.”

During the lumpectomy procedure, Dr. Farha scans the breast with a hand held device that employs an infrared light and a micro-impulse signal to detect the location of the reflector. Real-time, audible and visual indicators then assist him to accurately locate the reflector, along with the target tissue, and surgically remove them.  The precision tracking also results in better cosmetic outcomes.

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About the MedStar Health Cancer Network

The MedStar Health Cancer Network, comprised of MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, MedStar Good Samaritan, MedStar Harbor, and MedStar Union Memorial hospitals, represents a true collaboration in oncology care. Our dedicated team of surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, oncology nurses, and cancer support staff collaborate to effectively and efficiently meet the needs of cancer patients and their families throughout the greater Baltimore region. Our goal is to provide evidenced-based, quality care with a focus on service and easy access.

Why Choose Us

The Cancer Network has recently been granted Three-Year Accreditation with Commendation from the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS). The Cancer Network is committed to delivering the highest standards of care—this national endorsement further validates the quality of care its experts provide to cancer patients in the Baltimore community.

Types of Cancer Treated 

Our oncology experts provide all the cancer treatments you expect, plus some you might not. Treatments are always supported or driven by the latest research, including such sophisticated offerings as CyberKnife radiation, leading clinical trials, targeted therapies, and minimally invasive surgery—endoscopic, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted. Our physicians, including a dedicated orthopaedic & urologic oncology teams, are specially trained to treat complex cancers. Our seamless oncology care is backed by electronic medical records and top support services like genetic counseling and cancer rehab.