Cancer commission salutes South Nassau’s teamwork

The Gertrude and Louis Feil Cancer Center of South Nassau Communities Hospital has been awarded the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer’s Outstanding Achievement Award for the third time. The prize honors programs that demonstrate a commitment to improving survival and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, prevention, research, education, and the monitoring of comprehensive quality care.

The honor is a result of the center’s team of dedicated, compassionate, expert physicians, nurses, and allied staff, which includes the accomplished breast cancer surgeon Christine Hodyl, D.O., FACS, director of breast health services of the Center for Breast Health.

Dr. Hodyl has a strong interest in oncoplastic surgery, an option for patients with certain tumors which may not have been amenable for breast conservation previously. It combines breast cancer surgery with a cosmetic procedure that eliminates the need for multiple surgeries to expand the breast, and it reduces the risk of complications. Oncoplastic surgery not only hastens a woman’s physical recovery but aids her psychological healing.

Dr. Hodyl also uses targeted surgical techniques that aim to preserve as much of the healthy breast and surrounding areas as possible. This includes sentinel lymph node biopsy and if needed lymph node dissection for early stage breast cancer; single channel balloon brachytherapy techniques; breast-conserving surgery (commonly known as lumpectomy); and mastectomy. After surgery, other treatments such as chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and/or radiation treatments may be needed.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hodyl or for more information about the Center for Breast Health or Gertrude and Louis Feil Cancer Center, call 516-632-3350, or visit southnassau.org or drhodyl.com.