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Elizabeth C. Allen, CRNP, AGNP is a nurse in Washington, DC specializing in surgery. Elizabeth C. Allen, CRNP, AGNP is affiliated with MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, MedStar Health and MEDSTAR MEDICAL GROUP II LLC.
1133 21st Street Northwest Floor 8
Washington, DC 20036
3800 Reservoir Road Northwest
Washington, DC 20007
Breast Biopsy
Breast biopsy is a procedure where a small sample of tissue is collected from the breast for testing. A physician may prescribe a breast biopsy for a variety of reasons, but they are most frequently prescribed for a lump found in the breast. Biopsy samples extracted are examined by pathologists in a laboratory setting and are tested to determine if they are cancerous or benign, or indicative of some other condition. Depending on the lab results, physicians may prescribe additional treatment. Other circumstances which may prompt a breast biopsy include:
Breast biopsies are collected through several different procedures and the specific type of biopsy that a patient receives depends on the size, location, and features of a breast lump or irregularity. The three main methods of collecting a breast biopsy include:
Fine needle aspiration (FNA) and core needle biopsy (CNB) are sometimes image-guided, where a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI helps direct the physician performing the needle extraction.
Fine needle aspiration, the most common biopsy method, generally requires few patient preparations. It is recommended patients avoid using lotion, deodorant, and perfume prior to their biopsy procedure. FNA biopsy is performed with local anesthesia (topical numbing cream) and typically has a quick recovery, but patients may experience soreness for a few days. Core needle biopsy extracts slightly more tissue than an FNA biopsy.
Open (surgical) biopsy is more invasive and requires general anesthesia, where patients are put to sleep during the procedure. Patients must fast prior to the surgery. After the biopsy is performed, patients are monitored in a recovery room for a time before being discharged, when they will need someone else to provide transportation.
Although some may consider breast biopsy to be a simple procedure, it can catch critical issues - particularly breast cancer - that impact wellness. If a breast biopsy reveals an underlying condition like life-threatening cancer, patients can receive the diagnosis and medical treatment that is necessary for their long-term health.
Mastectomy (Breast Removal Surgery)
Mastectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the breasts, most frequently associated with breast cancer treatment (for both male and female breast cancer patients). Breast cancer patients who receive a mastectomy typically have undergone other treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation, and less invasive breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy). If these treatments are unsuccessful, oncologists may eventually prescribe a mastectomy. Other conditions that may prompt a mastectomy include:
Notably, some patients may elect to undergo mastectomy without a breast cancer diagnosis. Preventative (prophylactic) mastectomy is performed on those with a high risk of breast cancer, such as having a family history of the disease or carrying the breast cancer BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Preventative mastectomy substantially reduces one's chances of developing breast cancer in the future, but it cannot wholly prevent it.
Surgical oncologists perform several types of mastectomies, depending upon the severity of the breast cancer (including factors such as its location and spread), as well as the patients' own aesthetic and personal choices. The six main types of mastectomy include:
Any of these procedures can be done on both breasts, in which case the procedure would be known as a double mastectomy. For example, a surgical oncologist might perform a total or nipple-sparing mastectomy on both breasts. Double mastectomies are often used as a preventive surgery for those who are at risk of developing breast cancer later on in life.
Patients have one or two days of hospital stay before returning home from their mastectomy procedures. Full recovery can take several months, but some patients find they are able to resume normal activity within one month of their mastectomy. Patients are advised to limit arm and chest movements whenever possible.
After surgery, patients must also adjust to changes in their appearance. While some patients choose to receive breast reconstruction, other patients may decide to wear prosthetic breasts or will simply embrace their new chest.
Mastectomies permit patients to conquer cancer and lead healthy, thriving lives as breast cancer survivors.
She has a state license in District of Columbia.
Licensed In: District of Columbia
Elizabeth C. Allen, CRNP, AGNP is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Elizabeth C. Allen, CRNP, AGNP appears to accept the following insurance providers: Aetna Medicare PPO, CIGNA EPO, CIGNA Indemnity, Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), Medicare Advantage, MAMSI, AARP, HealthSpring, Coventry National Network PPO, Aetna, United Healthcare Choice Plus, Blue Choice, United Healthcare Choice, First Health PPO, TRICARE Prime, United Healthcare, Great-West Healthcare, Medicaid, Cigna, TRICARE, Coventry, Aetna Managed Choice POS, First Health, Aetna HMO, Kaiser Permanente, Optimum Choice Preferred (POS) & OCI Direct (HMO), MedStar Family Choice - Maryland Health Choice, Medicare Fee for Service, Choice Fund PPO, CFBSBC Blue Preferred PPO, M.D. IPA (HMO), CFBCBS (NCA) Indemnity, Open HMO, M.D. IPA Preferred (POS), POS OA & OA Plus, MedStar Select (MedStar Associates' Plan), Network OA, Innovation Health: PPO, Opoen HMO Option, CFBCBS Maryland Indemnity or PPO, CFBCBS EPO, Innovation Health: Indemnity, Innovation Health: POS, CFBCBS Maryland Point of Service Plan (MPOS), Innovation Health: Open POS Plus, Choice POS & Choice POS II, HealthyBlue PPO, United Student Resources, Select HMO/HealthFund/Health Network, CFBCBS Federal Employee Program (Std/Basic PPO/Blue Focus), Open EPO Plus, Innovation Health: Open Network Only Plus, Open POS II, Innovation Health: POS Plus and PPO and PPO Plus.
According to our sources, Elizabeth C. Allen, CRNP, AGNP accepts the following insurance providers:
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Ms. Elizabeth Allen has obtained a license to practice in District of Columbia.