Urgent care vs. the ER: How to know where to go
June 11, 2026
Visit the ER for serious illness or injuries when you need emergency care. Visit urgent care for minor injuries or illnesses that need same-day care.
Breast surgery in Illinois
Breast surgeons at Ascension Illinois deliver surgical care for breast cancer, tumors and breast reconstruction.
Breast surgery in Illinois
No matter your breast surgery needs, our breast surgery team at Ascension Illinois is here to help you heal and get back to feeling your best
About breast surgery
Breast surgeons at Ascension Illinois specialize in surgical treatment for breast cancer, tumors and noncancerous breast conditions.
There are many types of breast surgery, including breast conserving surgery and mastectomy. Understanding your options is an important part of your care. That’s why each appointment starts with a conversation. Your breast surgeon takes time to answer your questions and explain your options so you can make an informed decision. Then, we work together to create a personalized care plan that supports you from surgery to recovery.
Hidden Scar surgery for breast cancer removal
Choosing the type of breast surgery that’s right for you is a personal decision based on your diagnosis, overall health and treatment goals.
Removing cancer is our top priority, but to support your cosmetic outcomes, some of our breast surgeons offer Hidden Scar™ breast surgery. This advanced technique can be used for breast-conserving procedures and mastectomies. It involves placing incisions in less visible areas , so there is less visible scarring. As a result, you may have little to no visible reminder of the surgery or your cancer.
A Hidden Scar nipple-sparing mastectomy may also be an option for some patients, including those with:
- Genetic mutations that increase breast cancer risk (who may opt to have a prophylactic mastectomy)
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
- Small tumors not located beneath the nipple
How we diagnose breast cancer
Cancer specialists who know you and your condition review your treatment and progress. Your care team focuses on identifying whether the tumor is noninvasive or invasive, determining where the tumor began and whether the cancer has spread. We use advanced molecular and genetic testing to help guide treatment planning.
To diagnose breast cancer, your doctor may recommend testing, such as:
The latest imaging supports mammogram screening and diagnostic tests for advanced care, including 3D mammograms, breast ultrasound, abbreviated breast MRI and magnetic seed and needle (wire) localization biopsy.
Blood tests can give your doctor a lot of information. They can detect whether certain elements in your blood are in a normal range, and can help confirm or rule out certain conditions.
At Ascension Illinois in Chicagoland, we offer a comprehensive approach to identifying and monitoring those with a higher risk for developing breast cancer.
Breast biopsy tests are used to evaluate breast cells and help your doctor confirm your diagnosis and cancer stage.
Personalized breast surgery options
Your treatment options for breast cancer may include medication, therapy or surgery. Your breast surgeon and oncologist work together to recommend treatment options. We’ll explain the different types of breast surgeries and help you decide what treatment is right for you.
Breast reconstruction is surgery to create a new breast shape in place of a breast that has been removed (mastectomy). It can be done with implants or with tissue from another part of your body. Sometimes both are used to rebuild a breast shape. The breast mound created comes as close as possible to the shape and look of a natural breast.
Surgery may be done to reconstruct either one breast (unilateral) or both breasts (bilateral). The goal of the unilateral reconstruction is to create a breast mound that matches the other breast. If both breasts have been removed, the goal of the surgery is to create both breast mounds about the size of your natural breasts.
This type of surgery, also known as a 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. Our surgeons can discuss immediate breast reconstruction, including consultation with a plastic surgeon.
During a mastectomy, your surgeon removes all or part of your breast or breasts to treat breast cancer. Not all breast cancers need a mastectomy to be treated. A mastectomy may be recommended based on your cancer, and shape and size of your breast. If you carry certain gene mutations, a mastectomy can also be performed to help decrease your risk of developing breast cancer in the future.
If you choose to have a mastectomy and don’t have any cancerous tissue in your nipple, you may qualify for a nipple-sparing mastectomy. With this type of surgery, your surgeon will make a small incision to remove the affected breast tissue without removing your nipple(s). This often results in less scarring. This also allows for immediate breast reconstruction that can provide a more natural look. The size and shape of your breast also determines whether you’re able to have this type of surgery.
Get a second opinion on your cancer diagnosis or care plan
Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension Illinois. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options.
When you are facing a new breast cancer diagnosis or are deciding on a surgical or therapeutic treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. Our breast cancer specialists in Chicagoland can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of a national team of care.
Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf, so they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.
For physicians: Refer a patient to a breast surgeon
Your patients will receive compassionate, personalized care from the moment our specialists connect with them. Our breast surgeons take time to fully understand each patient’s needs and develop an individualized care plan.
To refer a patient, call:
Mark Connolly, MD, FACS, Breast Surgery
Ph: 773-472-3427
Gia M Compagnoni, MD, Breast Surgery
Ph: 224-273-5120
Constantine Godellas, MD, Surgical Oncology, Breast Surgery
Ph: 224-273-7550
Ascension Saint Alexius
1555 Barrington Rd
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
Ascension Saint Joseph Chicago - UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
2845 North Sheridan Rd #1300
Chicago, IL 60657
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.
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