Breast Cancer Surgery
Breast surgeons in Nashville
Dr. John Boskind
General Surgeon
Summit
Dr. Rachel Bryant
General Surgeon
St. Thomas West
Dr. Mark Cooper
General Surgeon
Downtown Nashville
Dr. Alex Fruin
General Surgeon
Summit
Dr. Mark Hinson
General Surgeon
Columbia
Dr. Chad Moss
General Surgeon
Columbia
Dr. Tyson Thomas
General Surgeon
St. Thomas West
Dr. John Valentine
General Surgeon
Hendersonville
Discovering Hope: Your Guide to Breast Cancer and Surgery in Nashville, TN
Breast cancer is a prevalent and challenging disease, affecting approximately 200,000 people each year. While it can be a daunting diagnosis, it’s crucial to remember that there are multiple treatment options available. Among these options, surgery stands as the primary and often life-saving choice. For those seeking breast cancer surgery and considering breast reconstruction, we are here to provide you with the knowledge and support you need to make the best personal decisions for your health and well-being.
The Path to Diagnosis
The journey begins with the vital step of diagnosing breast cancer. This typically involves various diagnostic procedures, including biopsies. A biopsy is a surgical procedure designed to extract small tissue samples from the specific areas of the breast or lymphatic system where suspicious abnormalities were detected, often through mammograms. These tissue samples are then meticulously analyzed in a laboratory to determine their nature and characteristics.
Additionally, you may discuss genetic testing with your healthcare team. This testing can provide valuable insights into whether you possess genetic markers associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Understanding your genetic makeup can influence treatment decisions and long-term health planning. Collectively, these diagnostic measures empower you, your doctors, and their dedicated teams to craft a tailored plan for breast cancer treatment and support.
The Role of Breast Cancer Surgery
Breast cancer surgery is often a critical component of the treatment plan developed by your medical team. This surgical approach aims to remove cancerous tissue from the breast, achieving the goal of “clean margins,” indicating that cancer cells have been successfully eradicated. The extent and type of surgery may vary depending on the characteristics and stage of your cancer.
-
Lumpectomy: In some cases, a smaller area of tissue containing the tumor is removed, preserving the breast as much as possible.
-
Mastectomy: For more extensive cancer or when deemed medically necessary, a mastectomy may be recommended. This procedure involves the removal of the entire breast.
-
Skin-Saving Mastectomy: In certain instances, techniques are employed to preserve as much natural breast skin as possible while removing breast tissue.
-
Nipple-Saving Mastectomy: For select patients, it is feasible to preserve the nipple and areola during the mastectomy, contributing to a more natural post-surgical appearance.
Your Team and Treatment Plan
Following a breast cancer diagnosis, you are not alone in your journey. A dedicated team of oncologists, breast cancer specialists, and healthcare professionals will collaborate to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Typically, surgery represents the initial phase of your battle against breast cancer.
Our Breast Surgeons in Nashville, TN, are committed to providing compassionate and expert care to guide you through this challenging period. With a wealth of experience and expertise, our surgeons will work with you to determine the most appropriate surgical approach, ensuring the best possible outcome for your unique circumstances.
Breast cancer is a formidable adversary, but with the right team and treatment plan, you can face it with confidence. By prioritizing early detection, exploring your options, and accessing expert care, you can take a significant step toward a brighter and healthier future.
If you have questions or are ready to discuss your breast cancer diagnosis and potential surgical options, please reach out to our dedicated team today. Together, we can embark on your path to healing and hope.
Breast Surgeons
More about breasts
Breast Surgery
- Lumpectomy
- Mastectomy
- Nipple Sparing Mastectomy
- Skin Sparing Mastectomy
- Breast Reconstruction with Implants
- Breast Reconstruction with Flap
- Mastectomy with Reconstruction
Breast Cancer Surgery Options
What type of surgery do they do for breast cancer?
With a diagnosis of breast cancer we know that you want both the best surgical options for getting rid of the disease and the best options for what you can do to heal. Many times women who have lost one or both breasts due to disease can elect to have reconstruction surgery. Sometimes the reconstruction and cosmetic surgery can begin at the same time as the diseased tissue is removed. In some cases, it may make the best sense to recover from the first surgery and deal with cosmetic surgery later.
Your approach to surgery will depend on a number of factors including the stage of your cancer, the ‘personality’ of the cancer and what you decide is best for your long-term peace of mind. At The Surgical Clinic, your physician and the entire surgical team is focused on supporting you with the most advanced approaches to Breast Cancer surgical techniques.
At The Surgical Clinic in Tennessee, breast specialist cancer surgeons work collaboratively with reconstruction and cosmetic surgeons and you to make sure that you understand your options so that, together, you make the choices that are right for you.
What is breast reconstructive surgery?
Breast reconstruction enhances or restores the look, shape, and feel of the breasts after a mastectomy or breast cancer treatment surgery. Reconstructive surgery can happen the same day as a mastectomy or at a later date. Often, breast reconstruction helps women return to normalcy after breast cancer. Therefore, it can be an emotional and sensitive process that can feel overwhelming at times.
There are several types of breast reconstruction. Sometimes tissue is taken from your tummy, back, or buttocks to create a breast, sometimes an implant filled with saline or silicone gel may be used. There are procedures that will combine your body tissue with implants. Your surgery will depend on your body, your lifestyle, and your preferences.
TYPES OF BREAST Reconstruction SURGERY
The board certified aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeons in Nashville perform all types of breast cancer reconstructions, while several our breast surgeons specialize in the removal of breast cancer. Together, our network of surgeons work collaboratively to ensure each patient is treated with the most personalized care available today.
Breast implant surgery versus tissue based reconstruction
Which type of reconstruction surgery you choose is a personal choice. You may also opt for a mix of different reconstruction methods or reconstruction over a period of time. Talk with your surgeon about any concerns you have, and they will help you decide the best option.
What is implant based breast reconstruction?
Once the breast cancer is removed, patients may opt to have breast implants to replace the lost breast tissue. Breast implants restore shape and volume to the chest, and there are several options of implants to choose from. The surgeon will place the implant either over or under your chest muscle and cover it with your original breast skin or using a skin graft.
While breast implants are fairly popular choice, the procedure can also be done with a tissue reconstruction, where the surgeon uses both implants and a flap to reconstruct the breast.
What is tissue based breast reconstruction?
Tissue based breast reconstruction is often referred to as a ‘flap’ reconstruction. This is when the surgeon uses tissue from another area of the patient to reconstruct the breast. The surgeon will take skin, fat, and muscle from your belly or buttocks, which resemble breast tissue, to reconstruct the breast. Combining tissue based reconstruction and implants produces a more realistic result.
Some plastic surgeons, like Dr. Garza, specialize in a highly advanced tissue reconstruction known as DIEP flap surgery.
How long does it take to recover from Breast reconstruction surgery?
Recovery in the hospital typically lasts about 2-8 hours. Following surgery, patients will require plenty of rest, limited movement, and bandages which help minimize movement of the breast area. Pain medication will be used as needed. A special surgical bra may be required for several weeks once the bandages are removed.
About one to two weeks after your surgery, your doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment to check in on your healing progress. They will look at your condition, inform you about test results, like negative margins, and map a plan for your next recovery steps. However, if you experience unexpected or extreme symptoms, contact your doctor to examine possible surgery complications.
Breast Reconstruction in Nashville
At The Surgical Clinic in Nashville, most types and stages of breast cancer require breast reconstruction surgery as part of the treatment plan. We at The Surgical Clinic are committed to helping you find the best treatment option and type of breast reconstruction and guide you along every step of your treatment journey. For more information about our Middle Tennessee clinics and breast surgeons, watch the videos below and click on our surgeon profiles.
We have multiple skilled surgeons across the Middle Tennessee area. Find the one best suited for you and book an appointment today!
Watch Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Watch Patient Testimonial
Learn More About Breast Cancer
World Cancer Day – Raising Awareness and Change
February 4, 2020, marked the 20th anniversary of World Cancer Day. This global movement was organized and started by six oncologists in 1999 before the start of the new Millennium. Together, they drafted the Charter of Paris Against Cancer, which outlines key issues...
Surgery for Early Stage Breast Lesions
by Dr Mark CooperThe Surgical Clinic's, Mark E. Cooper, MD, breast surgeon, Nashville, TN, has responded to the controversy of the value of surgery for early-stage breast lesions discussed in an article published in THE NEW YORK TIMES entitled Doubt Is Raised Over...
New Technologies in Types of Mammograms
By Dr Mark Cooper New technologies have given patients many choices about what types of mammograms to have and the difference between the types of studies can be confusing. As a surgeon at The Surgical Clinic who specializes in Breast Surgery, I am often asked what...