The Best Breast Cancer Surgeon For You
As youre searching, keep in mind that youre not looking for the best breast cancer surgeon of them allyoure looking for the best breast cancer surgeon for you.
There are a lot of factors to consider, and some should be weighed more heavily than others.
For example, even though convenience should not be the deciding factor when choosing a breast cancer surgeon, it undoubtedly plays a part. Make sure to ask a potential surgeon if all of your pre-operative tests will be done in one facility or several. Youll also need to check if the facilities accept your insurance. The same applies to your anesthesiologistwho will be paid separately from your surgeon.
If a breast cancer surgeon cannot provide you with the answers you need or you feel uncertain about a recommended procedure, do not hesitate to get a second opinion or speak to office staff, as applicable. This doesnt mean you have to cut the breast cancer surgeon from your list, just that you need more information to feel confident about choosing them.
While you certainly need to find a level of comfort in the breast cancer surgeon you choose, do not mistake the likability of a practitioner for the ability of a healthcare provider.
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How Much Will It Cost Me
Reconstruction costs vary hugely and can reach tens of thousands of dollars depending on the number and extent of the chosen procedures.
The total cost includes, among other bills, thesurgeons fee, hospital costs, fees for the anaesthetic and follow upappointments. As with other procedures, insurance doesnt cover surgery whichis deemed to be for cosmetic reasons.
The Womens Health and Cancer Rights Act lays out that group health plans and health insurance issuers that cover mastectomies must also cover certain post-mastectomy benefits including reconstruction. It should cover reconstruction surgery to create symmetry, breast prostheses and any physical complications arising from surgery.
nerdwallet.com advises it is up to you to check whether thesurgeon you have chosen is in-network or out-of-network. Choosing an in-networkdoctor means a discount is applied to their negotiated fee and the patient paysthe difference. An out-of-network fee isnt subject to a discount, whichusually means the patient pays more towards the final bill.
Its also worth remembering that a doctor whoaccepts your insurance plan and being in-network are two different things make sure you verify their network status before booking surgery.
There will also be out-of-pocket expenses tofactor in as youll be liable for any deductibles or co-pays. Your provider canconfirm what these are which will help you decide on the surgical route youdlike to take.
Breast Health Screening And Treatment
When breast health is a concern, our BreastCare Center specialists and staff are here to care for you and about you. We provide screening, diagnosis and treatments for benign and malignant breast conditions. Our clinical experts deliver standard and innovative therapies, genetic counseling,support services and a special sensitivity to the needs of young women with breast cancer. Today, the outlook for patients with breast cancer is more encouraging than ever before.
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Who Is Breast Reconstruction Surgery In Boston For
Breast reconstruction is usually carried out ifa patient has had breast cancer.
It follows a mastectomy or a lumpectomy that aims to remove the cancer while leaving as much normal breast behind as possible. A lumpectomy allows a patient to keep most of their breast but it increases the likelihood of them needing radiation treatment later.
One patient reports on realself.com that, I had a lumpectomy in Jan and had a pretty big area removed which left me lopsided and a giant concave in my nipple. was able to reconstruct the left breast and even them up.I am nothing but pleased with my results so far and its only been 8 weeks!
Patients may also elect to have their breasts removed as a preventive measure known as bilateral prophylactic mastectomy. This is because they have a strong family history of breast cancer or they have the BRCA gene .
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported that their members carried out over107,000 breast reconstructions in 2019 an increase of 5% from the previousyear and up 36% from 2000.
But a plasticsurgery.com report in 2017 stated that that while the surgery hasincreased over time, less than half of women who require mastectomy are offeredbreast reconstruction surgery and less than a quarter understand the wide rangeof options available.
Screening Diagnosis And Staging
The two most common ways to screen for breast cancer are a breast exam and a screening mammogram. A diagnosis of breast cancer may be confirmed through tests and procedures including a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound, breast magnetic resonance imaging and a biopsy .
Following a diagnosis, further testing is done to determine the stage of breast cancer. Stages range from Stage I to Stage IV .
Expertise in Diagnosing and Staging Breast Cancers
A precise, accurate diagnosis is critical to appropriate treatment. Our radiologists and pathologists are skilled in detecting and evaluating breast cancers. They use sophisticated imaging and surgical procedures to determine the location, stage and type of breast cancer. For more information on breast cancer diagnosis, please see our Avon Foundation Comprehensive Breast Evaluation Center.
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Access To The Most Advanced Care
Mass General Cancer Center provides patients with access to the latest treatments and technologies for all types of cancers. From new targeted therapies and immunotherapies, to the only proton therapy site in New England, you can feel confident knowing you are getting the most advanced care for your cancer.
Leading the Way in Proton Therapy
Mass General Cancer Center has the only proton therapy site in New England, with two proton therapy centers. Since 2001, thousands of adults & children have received highly customized, team-based treatment here, with advances in imaging and technologies making proton therapy ever more precise.
Kevin S Hughes Md Facs Is A Breast Surgeon And Is The Co
Dr. Hughes is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Dartmouth Medical School, and trained at the Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh for general surgery, followed by a fellowship in surgical oncology at the National Cancer Institute.
Dr. Hughes was formerly on the faculty of Tufts University, the University of California, Davis and Brown University
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What Are Top 5 Best Paying Related Breast Surgeon Jobs In Boston
We found at least 5 jobs related to the Breast Surgeon job category that pay more per year than a typical Breast Surgeon salary in Boston, MA. Top examples of these roles include: Breast Imaging Radiologist, Surgeon, and Breast Radiologist.
Importantly, all of these jobs are paid between $5,597 and $120,549 more than the average Breast Surgeon salary of $226,130. If youre qualified, getting hired for one of these related Breast Surgeon jobs may help you make more money than that of the average Breast Surgeon position.
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Our Breast Surgery Team
Brigham and Womens Hospital is a renowned leader providing surgical care for patients with breast cancer or non-cancerous breast conditions. In partnership with Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, our breast surgical specialists provide treatment for thousands of patients each year including more than 2,500 with breast cancer.
At DFBCC we have the largest breast surgery team in New England. Each member of our team focuses solely on breast disease. Because of this concentration, you will have access to some of the leading breast experts in the field.
Our breast surgeons collaborate with multidisciplinary specialists including cancer genetics experts, dedicated breast pathologists and breast imagers, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, reconstructive surgeons and physical therapists, as well as support team members from psychosocial services, nutrition and social work.
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Breast Reconstruction/ No Reconstruction
After breast cancer surgery in Boston, you also have to decide if you want to undergo reconstructive surgery. You can opt for breast reconstruction after surgery to restore the appearance of breasts. You can also choose to avoid reconstruction after surgery, also known as going flat. There is no right decision when it comes to the possibility of reconstruction after surgery the only consideration is whether you want it and whether its best for your health.
If you opt for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, you may choose to have the breast mound rebuilt to restore the breasts appearance this can be done with implants or natural tissues. If you opt for breast reconstruction after a lumpectomy, the doctor may recommend fat grafting from other parts of the body to restore the breasts fullness. You have several breast reconstruction options to choose from you can also choose to delay the procedure or avoid it altogether.
How To Find A Breast Cancer Surgeon
According to a study published in the Journal of Oncology Practice, there were roughly 14,000 oncologists practicing in the United States in 2011. Of these, less than 500 were surgical oncologists. Since then, the numbers have increased with between 800 and 900 surgical oncologists currently certified by the American Society of Clinical Oncology .
Despite the increase, surgical oncologists remain in short supply and tend to be clustered in urban centers with major hospitals. According to ASCO, there is roughly one oncologist per every 20,000 people in urban centers, but only one per every 100,000 people in rural areas.
Finding a breast cancer surgeon can be difficult, but there are steps you can take:
- Get a professional referral: Your healthcare provider or medical oncologist will typically know qualified surgeons in your area. You can also do an online search by plugging your zip code into the ASCO doctor locator.
- Check for certification: Once you have your referrals in hand, you can confirm a healthcare providers certification by calling the American Board of Medical Specialties at 215-568-4000 or using the online verification portal managed by the American Board of Surgery .
- Read up on his or her background: Use the DocInfo website offered by the Federation of State Medical Boards, which can provide you with details about a surgeons education, active licenses in various states, and any disciplinary or legal actions filed against the healthcare provider.
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Boston & Cambridge Plastic Surgery
Dr. Helena O. Taylor and Dr. Stephen R. Sullivan are board certified plastic surgeons in Boston, MA and Cambridge, MA and are both diplomats of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and Fellows of the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Taylor and Dr. Sullivan are avid hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Providing reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery at what they consider to be the pinnacle of Mounts, Mount Auburn Hospital, taking pride in delivering exceptional care with a very personal feel.
Dr. Sullivan and Dr. Taylor are faculty members at Harvard Medical School, and have found the environment at The Mount to be the perfect fit for their practice. With exceptional nursing, and views of The Charles River and the Boston skyline, patients recover in the privacy of a calm and tranquil environment free of the busy surroundings of many other hospitals and clinics.
Dr. Taylor and Dr. Sullivan are both named as two of the Best Plastic Surgeons in Boston by Boston Magazine and Castle Connolly, and they often operate together as a team to ensure safety, efficiency, and the best possible plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery for each patient.
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Breast Cancer Surgeon Specialties And Expertise
Unlike medical oncology, which is a specialty of internal medicine, surgical oncology is a specialty of general surgery. To become a surgical oncologist, you must first complete a five-year postgraduate residency in general surgery, after which you would embark on a three-year fellowship in surgical oncology.
After that, some surgical oncologists will pursue additional training to specialize in specific types of cancer, such as breast cancer. Some might even specialize in specific procedures.
Given these parameters, there can be a wide variation in the skills a breast cancer surgeon brings to the table. You may be referred to a surgical oncologist who practices in different fields of oncology. In some hospitals, particularly smaller ones, procedures like a surgical biopsy or lumpectomy may be performed by a general surgeon instead of a breast cancer surgeon.
This doesnt mean that these surgeons are any less capable of performing these procedures. What it does mean is that you may need to work twice as hard to determine how qualified they are to treat your cancer.
Compared to other surgeons, a surgical oncologist specializing in the breast is trained to perform a wide variety of procedures, both common and uncommon. These include, among other things:
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Eligibility And Program Overview
Candidates for the fellowship must be Board-eligible graduates of a general surgery residency program. Throughout the one-year fellowship, the fellow will spend time in the operating room, in multidisciplinary sessions for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, and in screening, diagnostic and follow-up office sessions. In addition, the fellow will spend time in collaborating specialties including medical oncology, radiation oncology, breast imaging, and breast pathology.
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Are Video Visits With A Breast Surgeon Online Covered By My Insurance
Most insurers provide coverage for video visits at the same cost as in-person visits. You can search on Zocdoc specifically for Breast Surgeons in Boston, MA who accept your insurance for video visits by selecting your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. We recommend you check with your insurance carrier directly to confirm your coverage and out of pocket costs for video visits.
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Choosing The Right Surgical Oncologist
Doru Paul, MD, is triple board-certified in medical oncology, hematology, and internal medicine. He is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College and attending physician in the Department of Hematology and Oncology at the New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center.
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may need to know how to find a breast cancer surgeon.
The medical name for a breast cancer surgeon is a surgical oncologist. They are trained to treat cancer by removing tumors and other cancerous tissues. They can also perform breast biopsies to confirm the diagnosis or stage of the disease.
A surgical oncologist is one of several healthcare providers you will turn to when faced with breast cancer. Others may include a medical oncologist who treats cancer with medicine and a radiation oncologist who treats cancer with radiation.
This article will go over how to find a breast cancer surgeon. Youll also learn how to choose the breast cancer surgeon who is best for you.
Breast Oncologists Recognized On Forbes Physician Honor Roll
This December,Forbes magazine recognized 27 breast oncologists across the country as exemplary physicians in the field of oncology. Individuals on the list serve in the top spots of their respective hospitals, contribute a wealth of clinical research to advance the practice, and serve on community boards and national organizations.
The Forbes list was generated in partnership with Grand Rounds, whose mission is to connect patients with the highest quality care available to them. Grand Rounds matching algorithm connects patients with physicians uniquely qualified to care for their specific clinical need and includes quality data on 99% of practicing physicians in the United States.
Recognized Oncologists
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Massachusetts General Hospital Dana
Boston, Massachusetts
Training Program Director: Michelle C. Specht, MD, Co-Directors: Tari A. King, MD, FACS and Olga Kantor, MD
The Massachusetts General Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Brigham and Womens Hospital Breast Surgery Fellowship seek to prepare a trainee in surgery for an academic career devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, and study of patients with breast cancer and benign breast disease. The program will provide intensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases, experience in a multidisciplinary approach to treatment planning, and opportunities for collaborative clinical and basic research.
How Can I Make A Same
On average, patients who use Zocdoc can search for a doctor for Breast Cancer Surgery, book an appointment, and see the doctor within 24 hours. Same-day appointments are often available, you can search for real-time availability of doctors for Breast Cancer Surgery in your area who accept your insurance and make an appointment online.
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What Does Breast Reconstruction Surgery Involve
There are several different surgical routes tochoose from and the decision should be made in partnership with your doctors sothat you fully understand what might be best for you. Often, reconstructioninvolves more than one procedure.
The American Cancer Society says that among other factors, the choice is influenced by your health, the type of breast cancer surgery youve had, how much tissue you have available and your insurance coverage .
Breast implants present the first option and this involves the same types of implants as cosmetic augmentation surgery. As such, they carry the same risks and benefits. You can view our surgery page for more information on undergoing Breast Augmentation Surgery in Boston.
One patient says she is very happy with the result of breast reconstruction after a double mastectomy, 2 months out from tissue expanders being replaced with silicone high profile implants.Really had zero pain, recovery time was very short, I didnt need one painkiller, and now 8 weeks out Im back to gym.
Secondly, flap surgery uses thepatients own tissue to restore the breast, much of which can be done at thesame time as the initial surgery although sometimes, according to the Mayo Clinic,surgery can be delayed.
Realself.com explains that tissue is taken from another place on the body, including the abdomen , the upper back and the inner thigh .