Breast Surgery at Swedish Hospital
Swedish Hospital offers a variety of breast surgeries, from excisional biopsy to mastectomy, including reconstructive surgeries in collaboration with board-certified plastic surgeons.
For more information and to schedule an appointment with a surgeon, please call
773-293-8878.
Need a screening or diagnostic mammogram? Request a mammogram online or call
773-878-6888. For more information, visit our Women’s Health Center
webpage.
General Questions About Breast Surgery
Why Would You Need Breast Surgery?
Most surgeries of the breast are focused on removing a benign or malignant lump or other growth. These findings are first biopsied, and then recommended for removal for one of the following reasons:
- They cause symptoms
- They have the potential to grow
- They have the potential to develop into cancer
- They are already cancerous
Often, this involves removing a small portion of the breast tissue in what is typically referred to as a lumpectomy or excisional biopsy. For some malignant conditions, complete removal of the breast is necessary.
What Types of Breast Surgeries are Available at Swedish Hospital?
At Swedish Hospital we offer a variety of breast surgeries to care for a variety of patients and conditions, including:
- Excisional biopsy for benign lesions
- Lumpectomy or partial mastectomy for many cancerous or precancerous lesions
- Mastectomy removal of the entire breast
Reconstructive breast surgeries are performed in collaboration with our plastic surgery colleagues when desired or needed.
Which Breast Surgery is Best?
There is no such thing as the “best” breast surgery. The type of surgery utilized depends on the condition being treated, and is personalized to each patient.
What Kind of Doctor Does Breast Surgery?
There a a few types of specially trained surgeons who may perform breast surgery, including:
- A general surgeon who has made breast surgery a focus of their practice, typically with additional education through breast and surgical societies
- A fellowship trained breast surgeon who has gone through additional training just for breast surgery
- A surgical oncologist who has additional training in treating breast and other cancers
All of these types of surgeons are extremely skilled and capable of providing a successful breast surgery and positive patient experience.
When Should You See a Breast Surgeon?
You are typically referred to a breast surgeon following breast imaging such as ultrasound and/or mammogram and then biopsy to identify a benign, precancerous, or cancerous condition which can be treated with surgery.
In some cases, you may also be referred to a surgeon when you have breast-related symptoms that your primary care physician or gynecologist cannot explain by imaging, or if you have a family history of breast cancer that requires closer monitoring.
What to Expect From the Procedure and Recovery
Is Breast Surgery Elective?
Breast surgery is common, and most breast surgeries are elective, or planned.
Cancer surgery for the breast in particular involves extensive, multi-disciplinary planning and coordination with a medical and radiation oncologist. This is typically coordinated by a breast cancer navigator, who will help you and your primary care physician obtain appropriate referrals and testing that is needed before undergoing surgery or other treatments.
How Long Does Breast Surgery Take?
The length of breast surgery depends on the procedure. Most simple excisions are scheduled for one hour, while cancer surgeries typically take one and a half to two and a half hours, depending on the specifics of the procedure.
Is Breast Surgery Painful?
Most breast surgery is not very painful and recovery from a simple excisional biopsy or lumpectomy is generally rapid. Mild swelling is typical and is minimized by wearing a supportive bra. Most patients can return to normal activities within a week.
Intermittent pinching pains are also a normal part of the healing process. These can last for up to several weeks, but are generally not disruptive to normal activities.
Is Breast Surgery Done Minimally Invasively?
While we do not typically use the term “minimally invasive” to describe breast surgery, many procedures are performed through small incisions and “hidden scars,” with an effort to preserve the natural appearance of the breast. This includes what is termed “oncoplastic surgery” and “nipple-sparing mastectomy.”
Contact Us
For more information and to schedule an appointment with a surgeon, please call
773-293-8878.
