Breast Surgery

Overview

Most breast cancer patients have some type of surgery to remove the tumor. Surgical choices are often made based on the size and location of the tumor, the type of breast cancer that was diagnosed, and the patient's wishes.

Cancer-related surgery includes lumpectomy, mastectomy, breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, and lymph node dissection or biopsy (to determine if the nodes have cancer cells in them, indicating the disease has spread).

UR Medicine's Approach

UR Medicine has experts in all facets of breast surgery, from cosmetic breast procedures, benign breast disease, breast cancer, and breast reconstructive surgery

Early detection is key when it comes to diagnosing and treating breast cancer. In addition to regular breast self-exams, one of the most effective tools for catching the disease early is an annual mammogram. Our dedicated breast imaging team offers these screenings with our region’s most advanced imaging technology in a comfortable environment.

We also have the only Hereditary Cancer and Risk Reduction Program that can identify women with increased breast cancer risk, follow them closely and ensure that any possible cancers are detected and treated quickly.

After a tumor is removed, breast reconstruction surgery can help patients feel like themselves again. UR Medicine Plastic Surgery becomes your partner in assisting you to take this step safely, with a solution that will be best for you and your body based on your medical and treatment history.

Video: Pluta Cancer Center Integrative Oncology Manager, Sydney John, talks about how Wilmot Cancer Institute is advancing supportive care for patients, including offering free massage, acupuncture, fitness classes, nutrition services and more.

Video: Wilmot Cancer Institute's Dr. Alissa Huston, Medical Oncologist, talks about how UR Medicine teams are improving breast care for patients.

Video: Wilmot Cancer Institute's Dr. Marilyn Ling, Radiation Oncologist, talks about how UR Medicine teams are improving breast care for patients.

Video: Wilmot Cancer Institute's Dr. Kimberly Gergelis, Radiation Oncologist, talks about how specialists across breast cancer disciplines come together to advance breast care for patients across the Rochester metropolitan area and surrounding region.

Video: Wilmot Cancer Institute's Dr. Howard Langstein, Chief of Plastic Surgery, talks about how UR Medicine teams are improving breast care for patients through reconstructive surgery following breast cancer treatment.

Video: UR Medicine’s Dr. David Hicks, Chief of Breast Pathology, talks about how UR Medicine teams improve breast care for patients through new molecular tools to understand each individual’s cancer and define the most effective therapy.

Video: Wilmot Cancer Institute's Dr. Ruth O'Regan, Chair of Medicine, talks about how UR Medicine is improving outcomes for breast cancer patients.

Video: Wilmot Cancer Institute's Dr. Michelle Shayne, Medical Oncologist, talks about how UR Medicine teams are improving breast care for patients.

What Sets Us Apart?

UR Medicine’s Comprehensive Breast Center is home to some of the nation’s top breast experts. Our providers specialize in detecting, treating, and supporting patients with breast cancer.

We’re different from other cancer centers. Our multi-disciplinary team of oncology-certified specialists is dedicated to breast care. We bring patients the latest innovations in treatment, clinical trials, and supportive care models.

We have access to all of the resources of the University of Rochester Medical Center—including the Wilmot Cancer Institute, one of the nation's leading cancer research facilities. This means your cancer can be treated with new cancer-fighting medicines and technologies, often before they're available anywhere else, and you could be chosen to participate in groundbreaking clinical trials.

Studies show that cancer patients treated by specialists have better outcomes. Each of our surgeons specializes in a particular type of cancer, and they are fellowship-trained—the highest level of training in their specialties.

They also work with medical and radiation oncologists, pathologists, nutritionists, and other team members to ensure the best result for each patient. This comprehensive approach to cancer care offers you both a specialized understanding of specific diseases and multi-disciplinary care.