Breast Cancer Surgery/Breast Surgery

The most common form of treatment for breast cancer is surgery to remove a breast tumor. Some patients with stage two or three cancer may have chemotherapy first to shrink the tumor. By making the breast tumor smaller first, patients may have the option of a breast-conserving surgery or lumpectomy instead of a mastectomy. The breast can be reconstructed at the same time as surgery or at a later time. Surgery is also used to check the lymph nodes under the arm for cancer. Options for this include a sentinel lymph node biopsy and an axillary (armpit) lymph node dissection.

We understand how difficult having breast cancer is and the issues patients face after the surgery has been completed. We are sensitive to each patient’s feelings and needs, and work closely with you for the best possible surgical outcome.

Dr. David Smail and Karen Jacobs, FNP-BC are both available to see patients in the Breast Health Center located at Lahey Outpatient Center Danvers, 480 Maple Street Danvers, MA.

Dr. Smail has a weekly breast clinic for patients needing surgical consultation or breast cancer.

Karen is a certified Breast Health navigator. She has a variety of clinic hours available to see patients. She is available for consultation regarding breast lumps, breast pain, nipple discharge, as well as High Risk Assessments for personal or family history of breast cancer.

For appointments please call the breast center directly at (978) 304-8101 to schedule.  If required by your insurance referrals are needed prior to being seen and can be faxed directly to Essex Surgical Associates at (978) 922-9203.

The different types of breast surgery are:

Lumpectomy (Breast-Conserving Surgery) – Conserves as much of the breast as possible.
Partial Mastectomy – A partial mastectomy is more extensive than a lumpectomy, without removing the whole breast.
Total Mastectomy – The entire breast is removed.
Modified Radical Mastectomy – Removal of the breast (including the skin, breast tissue, areola, and nipple) and most of the lymph nodes under the arm. This surgery is now performed instead of the radical mastectomy. It has proven to be as effective and less disfiguring.