Sentinel Node Biopsy
Patients with Breast Cancer or Malignant Melanoma are frequently at increased for metastasis or spread of the cancer to the regional lymph nodes. In the case of breast cancer, this most commonly translates to the lymph glands in the armpit. For patients with melanoma, the site of lymph gland spread is less predictable.
Recently, a new technology, Sentinel Node Biopsy, has been developed. This technology allows your surgeon to identify and remove the most likely lymph nodes that might be involved with metastasizing cells. If the intraoperative evaluation of the lymph node does not show cancer, a complete lymph node dissection is no longer required. Dr. Donahue has performed more than 100 sentinel node biopsies. Dr. Donahue travelled to the University of Texas, Southwest, in Dallas,Texas, to receive the latest updates in this emerging technology in 1999.
Dr. Donahue presented a paper at the American Society of Breast Surgeons 2nd Annual meeing in La Jolla, Ca on May 5, 2001. His paper, SENTINEL NODE IMAGING AND BIOPSY IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS, WAS PUBLISHED IN THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY, OCTOBER, 2001.
Dr. Donahue's paper can be seen in the American Journal of Surgery 182 (2001) pp426-428

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
We recommend that all women receive a baseline mammogram between the ages of 35 - 40. Annual mammograms should be performed annually after age 40. Younger women with dense breast are encouraged to obtain a baseline ultrasound examination.
We cannot prevent breast cancer, BUT, early detection and treatment are the keys to long term survival.

Stereotactic image guided breast biopsy
Dr. Donahue is a member of the Steering Committee for Stereotactic Breast Biopsy for the American College of Surgeons. Dr Donahue participated as an Instructor in the American College of Surgeons Sterotactic image guided breast biopsy Postgraduate course in San Francisco in October, 2002, as well as the Spring meeting of the American College of Surgeons in New York City in April, 2003. Dr. Donahue will also be participating in the postgraduate sterotactic breast biopsy course during the American College of Surgeons Fall 2003 meeting in Chicago.
Dr. Donahue provides state of the art image guoided steretactic breast biopsy techniques. If you have been told that you have an abnormal mammogram, please call our office so that we can schedule an appointment for you immediately.

Ultrasound guided breast biopsy
Dr. Donahue is a member of the National Ultrasound Faculty of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Donahue has also received certification in Breast Ultrasound from the American Society of Breast Surgeons. Dr. Donahue has state of the art ultrasound equipment in his office AND in the operating room when he performs breast surgery. Dr. Donahue participated in the Breast Ultrasound for Surgeons Course at the Fall meeting of the American College of Surgeons in San Francisco in October 2002, as well as the Spring 2003 meeting in New York City. Dr. Donahue will also be participating in the Breast Ultrasound Course at the Fall meeting of the American College of Surgeons in Chicago in October, 2003
Office based ultrasound guided breast biopsy is performed in the office, under local anesthesia.

American Society of Breast Surgeons
Dr. Donahue is a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, serving as Editor of the Society's newsletter.
Dr. Donahue will be participating as an instructor at both the Basic and Advanced
Breast Ultrasound Courses at the Society's 4th Annual meeting in Atlanta, May 1-4, 2003.
Dr. Donahue is an active member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons.