Articles by Topic
Using Biology to More Effectively Diagnose and Manage Breast Cancer
Using Biology to More Effectively Diagnose and Manage Breast Cancer David M. Hyams, M.D., F.A.C.S. The sustained drop in breast cancer mortality over the last 30 years is largely due to enhanced screening and significant treatment [...]
Gene Expression Profiling in Malignant Melanoma
Gene Expression Profiling in Malignant Melanoma David M. Hyams, M.D., F.A.C.S. Malignant melanoma is a high-risk cancer, derived from the pigment cells of the skin. There are 100,000 new cases of melanoma in the US every year [...]
Sarcoma: Diagnosis and Treatment
What is Sarcoma? David M. Hyams, M.D., F.A.C.S. Soft tissue sarcomas arise primarily from what are called “connective tissues”. These tumors are usually discovered as a painless mass, which has grown subtly over time. Although patients often [...]
Oncoplastic Breast Surgery
Oncoplastic Breast Surgery David M. Hyams, M.D., F.A.C.S. Breasts contribute to the classic female form and are an important part of feminine identity. They also have a significant sexual association and have been a source [...]
What is Skin Cancer?
What is Skin Cancer? Did you know that the skin is the largest “organ” in the body? If you did, it might not be surprising to learn that skin cancers have the highest incidence of any cancers in [...]
Indications for Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction
Indications for Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Most women with a new breast cancer diagnosis are candidates for breast conservation surgery. However, for some, mastectomy is still the best choice. Woman more likely to be offered mastectomy are [...]
Oncoplastic Surgery and Radiation Therapy
Oncoplastic Surgery and Radiation Therapy Oncoplastic surgery is the ability to use plastic surgical techniques to achieve better cancer outcomes. Of nearly equal importance, oncoplastic surgery provides an opportunity to maintain, or even enhance, natural appearance and [...]
Understanding Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Understanding Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy It is now clear for most soft tissue tumors that lymph node removal is not associated with improvement in survival. So why do we still sample, or in some cases even remove, lymph [...]
Invasive Breast Cancer
Invasive Breast Cancer Once cancer cells invade through the duct or lobule in which they arise, they are called invasive cancers. Invasive cancers traveling though the non-glandular substance of the breast can gain access to lymph channels and [...]
LCIS and DCIS
LCIS and DCIS Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) arises within the milk glands, while ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) arises within the milk ducts of the breast. Both of these diagnoses represent abnormal, even cancerous, cells that remain [...]
Oncoplastic Melanoma/Soft Tissue Surgery:
Oncoplastic Melanoma/Soft Tissue Surgery: With an abundance of sunlight and an aging population, it is no surprise that high-risk skin cancer and melanoma are increasingly common among residents of the Coachella Valley. In some cases these diseases [...]
Oncoplastic Breast Surgery:
Oncoplastic Breast Surgery: There are few experiences that are more disturbing to a woman than receiving a breast cancer diagnosis. With over 40,000 deaths per year, every women with breast cancer is forced to face her own mortality. [...]
