Imagine undergoing a routine surgery, only to discover a life-altering diagnosis. This is exactly what happened to Kim Burris, a 45-year-old woman from Chapel Hill, whose story highlights the unexpected ways early detection can save lives. But here’s where it gets even more compelling: her breast reduction surgery, performed by Raleigh plastic surgeon Dr. Heather Levites, uncovered something far more serious—early-stage breast cancer, a condition her routine mammograms had missed.
For years, Burris had contemplated breast reduction surgery to alleviate chronic back pain, discomfort, and the frustration of ill-fitting clothing. ‘I felt like an imposter in my own body,’ she shared, reflecting on her decision to finally prioritize herself. Three years after breastfeeding her daughter, she took the leap, never imagining it would lead to a potentially life-saving discovery.
During the procedure, Dr. Levites noticed an abnormality in the tissue, which she promptly sent for testing. ‘Every piece of breast tissue removed should be examined by a pathologist,’ Levites emphasized. The results revealed ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), the most common form of non-invasive breast cancer. DCIS originates in the breast ducts and, if left untreated, can spread to surrounding tissue. Early warning signs include painless lumps, redness, nipple changes, and asymmetry between breasts—symptoms Burris hadn’t noticed, aside from a clogged milk duct she attributed to breastfeeding.
‘I felt numb, completely shocked,’ Burris recalled upon hearing the news. ‘But Dr. Levites was incredible—she explained everything clearly and put me at ease.’ Burris, whose grandmother had battled breast cancer, had been diligent about mammograms, the gold standard for early detection. Yet, DCIS often evades traditional screenings, underscoring the importance of self-exams and proactive medical care.
Dr. Levites referred Burris to Dr. Jennifer Plichta, a surgical oncologist at Duke Cancer Center. Thanks to the early detection, Burris requires no additional treatment, a testament to the power of timely intervention. According to the National Institutes of Health, early detection not only boosts survival rates but also reduces anxiety and empowers individuals to take control of their health.
‘We are our own best advocates,’ Dr. Levites stressed, urging women to perform regular self-exams. ‘We know our bodies better than anyone.’ Burris now plans to continue preventive measures and routine check-ups, grateful for the unexpected turn of events.
But here’s the controversial part: Should routine surgeries like breast reductions include mandatory tissue screenings, even when cancer isn’t suspected? And how can we improve early detection methods for conditions like DCIS that often slip through the cracks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation worth having.
