Personalized breast surgery in Wisconsin
Being told you need surgery can be overwhelming. We’re here to answer your questions and provide the care you need. Breast surgeons at Ascension Wisconsin specialize in the removal of breast cancer, tumors and other noncancerous conditions. There are many types of surgery for tumors, breast cancer, and other non-cancerous conditions — from breast conserving surgery to mastectomies and more. It’s important to fully understand your surgery options before deciding on the best treatment plan for you. We want to make sure you have all the information you need. Ask us your questions—big and small. To help you remember what questions to ask, print these questions and bring them to your consultation.
A multi-specialty team dedicated to your care
The most effective treatment for breast cancer may include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. At Ascension Wisconsin, our treatment plans are personalized to meet your specific needs. Our multispecialty care team includes breast surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, patient navigators, breast care coordinators, genetic counselors, dietitians, physical and occupational therapists, social workers, financial advocates and more. We work together to deliver cancer care that helps improve your physical and emotional health.
Personalized surgery options
Your breast surgeon and oncologist work together to recommend treatment options. We explain the different types of surgeries and help you decide what treatment is right for you.Breast-conserving surgery: This type of surgery, also known as lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, only removes the tumor in its entirety. The goal of this surgery is to remove the cancer, while saving as much of the healthy breast tissue as possible.
Mastectomy: This type of surgery removes the entire breast. Not all breast cancers need a mastectomy to be treated. The type of surgery depends on your cancer, and shape and size of your breast. Talk with your doctor about what option is right for you. If you are a gene mutation carrier, a mastectomy can also be performed to decrease your risk of developing breast cancer in the future.
Nipple-sparing mastectomy: This type of mastectomy can provide a more natural look. If you choose to have a mastectomy and do not have any cancerous tissue in your nipple, you may qualify for a nipple-sparing mastectomy. With this type of surgery, your surgeon removes all the breast tissue, while saving the nipple. The size and shape of your breast also determines whether or not you can have this type of surgery.
Breast surgery with reconstruction or reshaping: Plastic surgeons help restore the shape of your breast after surgery. You may have an implant or use your own tissue. Depending on your health and the stage of your breast cancer, you may have reconstruction done at the same time as your cancer removal, or at a later time. When you have a mastectomy without cancer present, reconstruction is usually done at the same time.
Hidden Scar™ breast surgery
Deciding what surgery to get is a personal decision. Removing the cancer is our top priority, but we also want you to feel comfortable with the surgery you choose. To help you have the best possible cosmetic outcome, some of our surgeons provide Hidden Scar breast surgery. This advanced surgical technique can be used for breast-conserving procedures and mastectomies. With the Hidden Scar approach, your surgeon places your incision in a location that is hard to see, so that the scar is not visible when your incision heals. As a result, you have little to no visible reminder of the surgery or your cancer.
Hidden Scar lumpectomy
A lumpectomy can be performed as a Hidden Scar procedure. This means the incision is made in a place that is hard to see. There are three different locations for a lumpectomy incision that make the scar less visible:
- Inframammary fold: The natural crease beneath the breast
- Periareolar: Along the edges of the areola
- Axilla: In the armpit, usually hidden in a natural fold
Ask your doctor if you are a candidate for Hidden Scar lumpectomy.
Hidden Scar nipple-sparing mastectomy
A nipple-sparing mastectomy can be performed as a Hidden Scar procedure. The incision is made in the inframammary fold—the natural crease beneath the breast. This makes the scar hard to see. You may choose a Hidden Scar nipple-sparing mastectomy if no cancerous tissue is found in your nipple and your breast size and shape allows for it.
Additionally, a Hidden Scar nipple-sparing mastectomy can be used in patients seeking a prophylactic mastectomy. A prophylactic mastectomy is a surgery that is performed when cancer does not currently exist, but the patient has a gene mutation that significantly increases their future risk for breast cancer. Women with DCIS (non-invasive cancer), or small tumors that do not lie directly beneath the nipple, may also choose to have Hidden Scar nipple-sparing mastectomy.
Meet our breast surgeons
When you choose Ascension Wisconsin, you get doctors, surgeons and care teams that are part of a team of experienced cancer doctors. We are sharing best practices and the latest in cancer care treatment and research – bringing the best of oncology to you, close to home.
*Certified in oncoplastic Hidden Scar techniques
Full-service cancer centers
At Ascension Wisconsin, our cancer centers are ready to deliver advanced cancer care with a full range of support services. We’re here for you. Our radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and specialty care surgeons deliver advanced care for all stages of cancer.
Southeast Wisconsin Cancer Centers
- Sherman Cancer Center - Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - Elmbrook Campus (Brookfield, WI)
- Reiman Cancer Center -Ascension Wisconsin Health Center - Rawson Avenue (Franklin, WI)
- Polly and Bill Van Dyke Cancer Center - Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital - Ozaukee Campus (Mequon, WI)
- Polly and Bill Van Dyke Cancer Center - Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital - Milwaukee Campus (Milwaukee, WI)
- Ascension All Saints Hospital Cancer Center (Racine, WI)
- Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - Mayfair Road Cancer Care (Wauwatosa, WI)
Northeast Wisconsin Cancer Centers
- Ascension NE Wisconsin – St. Elizabeth Campus Cancer Center (Appleton, WI)
- Ascension Calumet Hospital Cancer Care (Chilton, WI)
- Michael D. Wachtel Cancer Center – Ascension NE Wisconsin - Mercy Campus (Oshkosh, WI)
Ascension Wisconsin focuses on cancer prevention
Ascension Wisconsin sites of care in Southeast Wisconsin and the Fox Valley provide screenings to support cancer prevention and your overall wellness. Being at a higher risk for developing cancer can leave you with a lot of questions and uncertainty. Your Ascension Wisconsin doctor and care team are here to listen, support you and answer your questions. Understanding your risk and getting the recommended screenings can help to detect cancer early when it’s most treatable. If you have risk factors for developing cancer, speak with your doctor to determine if the Ascension Wisconsin Cancer Prevention and Wellness Program is right for you. We’ll work closely with you to create a personalized plan and connect you to the care that supports your overall well-being and health goals. Your care team provides:
- Personalized risk assessment – may include genetic tests, physical evaluation, screening, and other lab and imaging tests.
- Referral to cancer specialists for follow-up care, if needed.
- Wellness plan with health coaching and goal setting – may include medication management, nutrition and exercise counseling to support weight management, and referral to alcohol and drug addiction counseling, if needed.