Breast Surgery

The idea of needing breast surgery may leave you bracing for the worst. But at UMass Memorial Health, you are in the hands of a compassionate team that provides an excellent experience. You receive services from trusted breast surgeons who use research-based techniques and maintain outstanding results. Our comprehensive approach helps you feel listened to and cared for every step of the way.

Our Breast Surgery Services

UMass Memorial offers all the breast surgery services you need in one program. This includes diagnostic procedures, cancer treatments and reconstructive surgery. We explain the best options for your needs and help you make decisions you feel good about.

Breast Cancer Surgery

Types of breast cancer surgery we offer include:

• Lumpectomy (partial mastectomy): Surgeons use this method for early-stage cancer that has not spread to other areas of the breast. We remove the cancerous tissue and a thin margin of healthy tissue, leaving the rest of the breast intact.
• Mastectomy: We remove the entire breast for advanced cancers or ones covering large areas. In people with a very high risk of breast cancer, removing both breasts, even if there are no signs of cancer (preventive mastectomy), significantly reduces cancer risk.
• Lymph node dissection: Our experts may remove nearby lymph nodes during a lumpectomy or mastectomy if they suspect the cancer has spread. If the tissue tests positive for cancer, you may need additional surgery and other treatments.

Our breast surgeons use sophisticated techniques to carry out lumpectomy and mastectomy procedures, including: 

• Breast-conserving surgery: We remove only cancerous tissue plus a thin margin of nearby healthy tissue instead of the entire breast. You will likely need radiation therapy
  after your procedure to eliminate remaining trace levels of cancer.
• Image-guided breast surgery: Experts use real-time imaging to guide every step of your procedure. This method helps us pinpoint the cancer and remove it with a high degree of precision. 
• Minimally invasive surgery: We use the smallest necessary incision to perform your procedure. Depending on the location of the cancer, we may be able to hide the incision and resulting scar in the natural contours of your breast.

Breast Reconstruction

You are eligible for breast reconstruction if it’s necessary to remove a large section of tissue. This procedure reshapes the breast and its positioning on your chest to create even, full breasts with a natural appearance. You receive services from plastic and reconstructive surgeons offering a depth of experience.

There are many options, including:

• Implant reconstruction: We place saline- or silicone-filled implants under the chest muscle.
• Tissue flap reconstruction: Surgeons rebuild the breast using a section of tissue from your abdomen, buttock, thigh or back.