Breast Surgery
East Alabama Health offers compassionate surgical treatments for breast cancer close to home.
About Spencer Cancer Center
East Alabama Health offers specialized surgical expertise for breast cancer and a wide range of breast conditions. Our breast surgery team specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and benign breast diseases.
Our approach to breast surgery for cancer treatment
We understand that pursuing surgery as part of treatment for breast cancer is a deeply personal decision. That’s why when it comes to breast surgery, we begin by looking at targeted treatment options.
With each patient, our pre-surgery goal is to focus on de-escalation and limiting the need for surgery. This includes taking a multidisciplinary approach and working with your oncology team to see if other treatment options may better fit your needs.
If breast surgery is determined to be the best option, we focus on creating positive outcomes with minimal scarring.
Breast surgeries we provide
No two breast cancer diagnoses are exactly alike. That's why we personalize surgical treatment to your specific diagnosis, helping you understand your options and choose the approach that's right for you.
Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy)
Removes the cancerous tumor while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible.
Mastectomy, including nipple- and skin-sparing techniques
Removes breast tissue while, when appropriate, preserving the skin and nipple to support reconstruction and cosmetic outcomes.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy and axillary staging
The sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node to which cancer is likely to spread from the primary tumor. During the procedure, the sentinel lymph node is removed and examined under a microscope to determine whether cancer cells are present.
Oncoplastic surgery and reconstruction coordination
Combines cancer surgery with techniques designed to preserve breast appearance and coordinates care with reconstructive specialists when needed.
High-risk breast evaluation and risk-reducing surgery
Provides specialized assessment and surgical options for patients at increased risk of developing breast cancer.
Coordinated breast cancer care, close to home
Breast surgery is often one part of a larger treatment plan. At Spencer Cancer Center, our breast surgery team works alongside breast imaging and oncology specialists to help guide patients from evaluation and diagnosis through surgery, additional treatment and long-term follow-up.
Patients also have access to nurse navigators who can answer questions, coordinate care, schedule follow-up appointments and help them understand their treatment options. Additional support services include genetic counseling, nutrition guidance, social work services, rehabilitation therapy and oncology wellness programs designed to support patients during and after treatment.
