Stacey has over 16 years of nursing experience with a background in multiple disciplines, including: nurse management, ambulatory care, critical care, endoscopies, cardiovascular care, endovascular management, wound care, and breast cancer management.

After completing her Associates degree from Brevard Community College, Stacey attended the Florida Atlantic University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She went on to receive her Masters of Science in Nursing from University of Phoenix and obtained a Family Nurse Practitioner certification from Graceland University.

Before joining TEPAS Healthcare, Stacey was employed as a Registered Nurse at Wuesthoff Medical Center supporting various units, including: Intensive Care, Telemetry, Ambulatory Care, and Endoscopy. Stacey previously served as Charge Nurse for Wuesthoff Medical Center, Assistant Director of Nursing at Tandem Health Care, and worked as a Registered Nurse for Gentiva Health Services.

At TEPAS Healthcare, Stacey works closely with Dr. Emran Imami, MD, FACS, FAPWCA, board-certified general and breast surgeon, Dr. Irfan Imami, MD, FACS, ABPH, FAPWCA, board-certified vascular and endovascular surgeon, Dr. Clifford Gelman, MD, FACS, board-certified general, breast, thyroid and parathyroid surgeon, and Richard Bernard, ARNP-BC. Stacey assists in physical exams, diagnostic interpretation, procedures, and post-treatment care. She also performs laser vein and hair removal and serves as a wound consultant for hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and nursing homes.

“With the increasing number of patients being seen, the addition of a nurse practitioner allows TEPAS Healthcare to improve patient care,” stated Dr. Emran Imami. “We’re happy to have Stacey on board. Her compassion and knowledge are assets to the team.”

TEPAS Healthcare offers top-quality medical expertise, cutting-edge technology, and compassionate care in a tranquil atmosphere. Services include:

• General and Laparoscopic Surgery
• Endoscopy and Colonoscopy
• Breast Cancer Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery
• Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
• Aneurysm Screening and Surgery
• Varicose and Spider Vein Removal
• Botox, IPL, and Laser Hair Removal

TEPAS Healthcare is located at 1140 Broadband Dr. Melbourne, FL 32901. Call 321-733-1901 for further information or to schedule an appointment.

Looking for more information about your thyroid?

Join Dr. Clifford L. Gelman, from TEPAS Healthcare for an informative discussion that will include:

• Thyroid disorders
• Hypo & hyperthyroidism
• Nodules
• Goiters
• Thyroid cancer

Dr. Gelman will go over facts, screening, biopsy, treatment and management.

Featured Speakers:

• Dr. Emran Imami, board-certified general and breast surgeon
• Dr. Clifford Gelman, board-certified general, breast, thyroid and parathyroid surgeon
• Dr. Michael Diaz, board-certified plastic surgeon
• Dr. Sherri Lorraine, DPT, PhD, certified women’s health specialist

 To RSVP, call 321-733-1901 x 111 or e-mail Danielle at dbabcock@tepashealth.com.

Breast Awareness/Self-Exams

Be familiar with your breasts so you will notice any changes. Notify your physician right away if there are any changes or concerns. American Cancer Society recommends beginning self-examination at age 20.

Clinical Breast Exams

If you are over the age of 40, have a clinical breast exam every year by your primary care provider or GYN. Starting in your 20s have this done every 1-3 years during regular check-ups. Report any changes you have noticed during self-examination.

Annual Mammograms

Screening mammograms should begin at age 40. If you have any changes in your breasts or have increased risk, you may start screening mammography at 35 or younger (depending on your insurance plan). A diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound, MRI or a combination of the three may be performed if there are any concerning areas (determined by your physician).

1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer each year, but early detection can save your life. Even if you have none of the risk factors listed below, you can still get breast cancer. It is important to know your body and get regular screening check-ups.

Risk Factors

Personal History of breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), or atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH)

Dense or unevenly dense breasts

Radiation therapy to chest area

Family History

BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene mutation or first degree relative with the mutation

Personal or family history of ovarian cancer

Genetic diseases:

• Li-Fraumeni Syndrome
• Cowden Syndrome
• Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba Syndrome

Daughter of a woman who used DES (diethylstibestrol) medication to prevent miscarriage

Beginning first period before age 12

Having first child after age 30 or never having children

Being overweight or obese

Consuming more than 3 alcoholic drinks per day

Smoking

Helpful Websites

6-8pm (doors open at 5:30)

ENIGMA RESTAURANT
1550 Highway A1A, Satellite Beach
321-779-8202

Enjoy:
Dinner
Cash Bar
Live Music
Health Vendors
Raffle Prizes (ticket sales benefit The Women’s Center)
Presentations by Board-Certified Medical Professionals on important topics in Women’s Health

$10 at the door for buffet dinner. $1 per raffle ticket.

To benefit: The Women’s Center
www.womenscenterinbrevard.org

Presented by:
Intracoastal Physical Therapy, Women’s Clinic &
TEPAS Breast Center www.tepasbreastcenter.com

National Health Review

Over the past 10 years, studies have shown that thyroid cancer has been increasing in the United States especially in women. Women are three times more likely to be diagnosed with thyroid cancer than men. Learning about thyroid cancer and its treatments can help you take an active part in your own care.

What is the function of the thyroid gland?

The thyroid is the butterfly shaped gland that is located just below the Adam’s apple in the throat. It has a right lobe, a left lobe, and a small piece of tissue that connects the two, called the isthmus. The thyroid acts like the body’s thermostat. It makes iodine containing hormones called T3 and T4 which circulate all over the body to regulate heart rate, blood pressure, and how cells use nutrients for energy.

What is thyroid cancer?

Thyroid cancer is the abnormal uncontrolled growth of cells in the thyroid gland, that have the potential to break away and spread to adjacent tissues or other parts of the body. Most growths or tumors of the thyroid (90%) are not cancer (benign). There are four types of thyroid cancer, papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic.

What causes thyroid cancer?

Some forms of thyroid cancer can be hereditary, especially those associated with certain tumor syndromes like MEN2 and Familial Polyposis Syndrome. Certain thyroid conditions can be predisposing factors for thyroid cancer, such as thyroiditis and nodular goiters. The thyroid is especially sensitive to radiation and exposure to radiation is an increased risk factor for the most common types of thyroid cancer. Routine diagnostic x-rays, such as dental x-rays or chest x-rays use very low doses of radiation and their benefits usually outweigh their risks. Repeated exposure however, could be

harmful, so it’s a good idea to talk with your dentist and doctor about the need for each

x-ray and to ask about the use of shields such as a thyroid lead collar when getting x-rays. Protective thyroid collars are available for use during mammography at TEPAS Breast Center.

Having one or more risk factors does not mean that a person will get thyroid cancer. Most people who have risk factors never develop cancer. However, your doctor may use the risk factors obtained from your personal history to help determine what if any diagnostic tests may be recommended.

What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer?

Thyroid cancer often causes a lump or nodule that can be felt in the neck. Most nodules though (90%) are benign or not cancer. Difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or swollen neck lymph nodes can be symptoms of thyroid cancer as well. However, most often these symptoms are not due to cancer. Anyone with symptoms that do not go away after a couple of weeks should see their doctor. Often, thyroid cancer is found incidentally when a thyroid nodule is seen on an x-ray done for another reason and there are no symptoms at all.

How is thyroid cancer diagnosed?

Diagnostic tests such as ultrasound can be used to visualize an abnormal thyroid nodule. Your doctor may also recommend a thyroid nuclear scan to help to help determine the risk that it might be cancer. The only way to tell for sure if a thyroid nodule is cancer is to do a biopsy. Ultrasounds and biopsies are regularly done at TEPAS Healthcare. Using local anesthesia, a needle is introduced into the nodule and a sample of the tissue is evaluated by the pathologist. The pathologist can tell whether the nodule is benign, a cancer, or whether more tissue is needed to make the diagnosis. Often, the nodule or portion of the thyroid containing the nodule must be removed surgically.

What is the treatment for thyroid cancer?

The treatment depends on the type of thyroid cancer, the size of the nodule, and patient risk factors such as increased age, history of radiation, or genetic factors. Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid is the mainstay of treatment. It usually requires an overnight hospital stay but is sometimes done as an outpatient in selected patients. Experienced thyroid surgeons can use plastic surgery techniques to minimize the surgical scar. New technology using robotic surgery with no neck scar is currently being evaluated at research centers. Thyroid hormone is given to patients who have had their thyroid removed. It also is used to suppress the growth of cancer cells in patients with thyroid cancer. It is very well tolerated and requires one pill a day. Several weeks after beginning treatment, a blood test called TSH is required to determine the correct dose of thyroid hormone. Radioactive iodine treatment is given after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence in all but very low risk patients. This involves an oral dose of radioactive iodine. The iodine is only taken up by thyroid cells and thyroid cancer cells and the radiation will attack any residual microscopic cancer cell left in the body after surgery.

What is the prognosis?

Papillary and follicular cancers are the most common types of thyroid cancer (75%) and have a very high cure rate if diagnosed early, greater than 90%. Medullary cancer of the thyroid can be very successfully treated and controlled if treated before it spreads. Unfortunately, anaplastic cancer of the thyroid which occurs most often in the over 60 age group is very aggressive and usually survival is low. This fortunately is the rarest form of thyroid cancer (1%).

What type of follow up is needed?

Your doctor can use certain blood tests such as T4 and thyroglobulin levels to determine if the cancer might be recurring. This is usually every three to six months initially. A nuclear thyroid scan is also used to for cancer recurrence after the thyroid has been removed. An annual chest x-ray is also recommended. It is important that thyroid cancer patients follow up regularly with their doctors.

Although thyroid cancer is increasing, it is one of the most treatable and curable cancers if diagnosed early. With use of ultrasound, which is quick and painless, it is very easy to diagnose abnormal thyroid nodules. Many thyroid surgeons have the ability to do ultrasound evaluations in their offices and can also perform biopsies if needed. Regular communication with your doctor is important in making informed decisions about your health care.

Clifford Gelman, MD, FACS, is a board-certified general, breast, thyroid and parathyroid surgeon. He has 16 years of surgery experience and is currently accepting new and established patients.

TEPAS Healthcare offers the high-quality medical expertise, cutting-edge technology, and compassionate care in a setting conducive to healing. Services include general and laparoscopic surgery, endoscopy and colonoscopy, digital mammography, breast cancer surgery, surgical oncology, thyroid, vascular and endovascular surgery, aneurysm screening and surgery, varicose and spider vein removal, Botox, IPL, and laser hair removal.

Spacecoast Living Health

MELBOURNE, FL – June 7, 2011 – TEPAS Breast Center, a comprehensive breast cancer screening, diagnostic and surgery facility, today announced they now provide an optional thyroid guard for use during mammography to decrease radiation exposure to the thyroid.

Although curable, thyroid cancer is now the fastest growing cancer among woman. Recent studies report that routine dental X-rays and mammograms slightly increase lifetime thyroid cancer risk. This however should not deter woman from undergoing routine checkups.

Similar to thyroid guards available during dental X-rays, TEPAS Breast Center now provides an optional thyroid guard for use during mammography to shield the thyroid. This guard reduces the risk of radiation scattering to the thyroid. Years of exposure can increase the lifetime risk of thyroid cancer.

“Compared to mammography, direct radiation to the thyroid or neck area has a much greater impact on the risk of thyroid cancer,” stated Clifford Gelman, MD, FACS, board-certified general, breast, thyroid and parathyroid surgeon. “TEPAS Breast Center routinely offers the thyroid guard to our patients. Whether or not they choose to use the shield, women are urged to continue annual mammography for breast cancer screening.”

TEPAS Breast Center encourages women to perform monthly self-examinations, undergo routine annual mammograms, and see their primary care provider regularly. One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Although breast cancer is treatable, the best approach is early detection.

TEPAS Breast Center offers a unique approach to breast health before, during, and after a cancer diagnosis. As Brevard’s only comprehensive breast center, TEPAS Breast Center provides top-quality medical expertise, cutting-edge technology, helpful resources, and compassionate care. TEPAS Breast Center proudly offers digital mammography, breast PET or positron emission mammography (PEM), breast ultrasound, Mammotome® ultrasound-guided biopsies, and SAVI™ brachytherapy/partial breast irradiation. Here you’ll also find a multitude of informational and supportive resources such as an American Cancer Society Resource Center, monthly support groups, certified breast prosthetics fitter, and massage therapist trained in treating cancer patients. For more information, visit www.tepasbreastcenter.com.