Breast Cancer Surgery
Surgery offers the greatest chance for cure for breast cancer
Surgery is typically where you will start your breast cancer journey. Our highly skilled breast surgeons listen to you and form a personalized treatment plan. You have a lot to take care of in your life, let us take care of you.
Focused Expertise from Breast Surgeons
Our highly skilled breast cancer surgeons at IU Health Cancer Centers, Indiana's most preferred name in cancer care, offer unmatched expertise in the treatment of breast cancer.
With access to the most resources in the state, our complete team of breast cancer specialists evaluate the unique makeup of your cancer to develop the best treatment plan for you. Through our partnership with IU School of Medicine, you’ll have access to the most advanced treatment options, ensuring you get the right care from day one.
Because our physicians specialize in breast cancer, we have the expertise to treat our patients from diagnosis to treatment and through survivorship. At the most trusted cancer center in Indiana, our team treats breast cancers that are non-complex, rare and aggressive and everything in between. With our surgical expertise, we can offer treatment for tumors that are sometimes considered too difficult to treat.
Watch: Planning for Surgery
Your Surgical Options
Your breast surgeon will consider many factors before recommending a surgical procedure for breast cancer treatment.
When reviewing breast surgery as part of your treatment plan, it is important to ask your surgical team questions before deciding which option is best for you.
We know that every patient and breast cancer are different. The physicians at IU Health take the time to understand you as a person, not just a diagnosis.
Lumpectomy
A lumpectomy, or breast conserving surgery, is completed for women who have smaller tumors. It is often done through a tiny incision (a surgical cut) to preserve the shape of the breast. Radiation treatment usually follows a lumpectomy.
Mastectomy
For women who require a mastectomy, your IU Health Cancer Centers breast surgeon will determine which option is best suited for your tumor.
You may receive a simple or total mastectomy, modified radical mastectomy, radical mastectomy, partial mastectomy or subcutaneous (nipple-sparing) mastectomy.
At IU Health, we use advanced techniques to reconstruct the breast to regain as natural a shape as possible. Many women have breast reconstruction to rebuild the breast after a mastectomy.
If you've been diagnosed with breast cancer, schedule an appointment today with one of our highly skilled breast surgeons who will help you understand what may come next.
Find a Breast SurgeonWatch: IU Health Breast Reconstruction Options
Breast reconstruction is an important decision in your cancer recovery journey. There are several reconstructive options available including, reconstruction performed during tumor removal, or a second surgery for reconstruction.
Our team of plastic surgeons specialize in breast surgery. They have an advanced understanding of surgical techniques and procedures specific to the breast and surrounding lymph nodes.
Learn more about breast reconstruction surgery at IU Health.
Breast Reconstruction
Watch: IU Health Breast Reconstruction Options
Breast reconstruction is an important decision in your cancer recovery journey. There are several reconstructive options available including, reconstruction performed during tumor removal, or a second surgery for reconstruction.
Our team of plastic surgeons specialize in breast surgery. They have an advanced understanding of surgical techniques and procedures specific to the breast and surrounding lymph nodes.
Learn more about breast reconstruction surgery at IU Health.
Questions About the Surgeon
- Are you board certified?
- Do you specialize in a type of surgery?
- How many similar operations have you performed?
- How many breast cancer surgeries have you done?
Questions About Surgery
- What type of breast surgery is best for me?
- Will I need additional treatment before or after my surgery?
- Should my healthy breast be removed at the same time?
- How many operations will I need?
- What are my options for reconstruction?
- Can the reconstruction be started at the same time as my cancer surgery?
- How will my breast look after surgery?
- Will my breasts look the same?
- Can you show me pictures of other people that have undergone these procedures?
- If I choose to forgo reconstruction, what will my breast look like?
- Is surgery safe for me?
- If you had a family member in my situation, what would you recommend?
Questions About Recovery
- How much time will I spend in the hospital?
- How much time will I need for recovery?
- When can I return to work?
Questions to Ask Your Breast Cancer Surgeon
Questions About the Surgeon
- Are you board certified?
- Do you specialize in a type of surgery?
- How many similar operations have you performed?
- How many breast cancer surgeries have you done?
Questions About Surgery
- What type of breast surgery is best for me?
- Will I need additional treatment before or after my surgery?
- Should my healthy breast be removed at the same time?
- How many operations will I need?
- What are my options for reconstruction?
- Can the reconstruction be started at the same time as my cancer surgery?
- How will my breast look after surgery?
- Will my breasts look the same?
- Can you show me pictures of other people that have undergone these procedures?
- If I choose to forgo reconstruction, what will my breast look like?
- Is surgery safe for me?
- If you had a family member in my situation, what would you recommend?
Questions About Recovery
- How much time will I spend in the hospital?
- How much time will I need for recovery?
- When can I return to work?
Jul 11
Danniel spends most of her time with her husband, their baby and their dog. In the summer of 2020, with the world in lockdown, she was diagnosed with cancer.
Patient Stories for Breast Cancer Surgery
Jul 11
Danniel spends most of her time with her husband, their baby and their dog. In the summer of 2020, with the world in lockdown, she was diagnosed with cancer.
Video Resources
Learn more about clinical trials, hormone therapy and proper nutrition during treatment with these videos.
