Breast Surgery

Dr. Adam Harris has significant experience in treatment of benign, malignant, and premalignant breast conditions.  When screening imaging detects a suspicious area or when a mass is felt, a biopsy is often done using a tiny incision and needle with ultrasound or X-ray guidance. If the biopsy reveals cancer, pre-cancer, or the biopsy is indeterminate, surgery may be required.

Breast cancer can spread to the lymph nodes in the axilla (under the arm) and a biopsy of these lymph nodes may be required. Dr. Harris was trained by some of the nations leaders in breast cancer surgery during his 5 years at the Mayo Clinic in Florida.  He did more breast surgery than the top 90% of general surgery residents in the country during his training. He works closely with radiologist, oncologist, and plastic surgeons to determine the best treatment for his patients. Dr. Harris does not do breast reduction surgery or breast augmentation - this is done by plastic surgeons.

Breast cancer diagnosis

Breast cancer diagnosis encompasses a series of steps and tests to identify the presence, stage, and characteristics of the disease. The process typically involves:

Clinical breast examination: A healthcare provider conducts a physical examination to assess the breasts for any abnormalities or changes.

Imaging tests: Mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs, are utilized to visualize the breast tissue and detect any suspicious areas.

Biopsy: Tissue samples are obtained from suspicious areas for further examination. This can involve fine-needle aspiration, core needle biopsy, or surgical biopsy.

Pathology and laboratory tests: The biopsy samples are analyzed by a pathologist to determine if cancer is present and provide important information about its type, grade, and hormone receptor status.

Staging: Additional tests may be performed to determine the extent of the cancer, which aids in treatment planning.

Preparing for breast cancer surgery

• Consult with your surgeon and follow their instructions.
• Avoid taking blood thinners as advised.
• Complete any necessary pre-operative tests or imaging.
• Fast for the specified time before surgery.
• Inform your surgeon of any prior Staph infections or relevant medical history.

Post operative care for breast cancer surgery

Lumpectomy surgeries are often done as outpatient procedures, allowing same-day discharge. However, if lymph node dissection is included, an overnight hospital stay may be necessary.

Most normal activities can resume within a few weeks after mastectomy, while lumpectomy may require only a few days for recovery.