Breast Cancer Surgery and Reconstruction

When you face a cancer diagnosis, it is important to know all your options – not only for treatment, but also to help you recover and return to your life more quickly. Surgical options such as lumpectomy, Hidden Scar™ approaches, and even onco-plastic resections can be considered to conserve and preserve healthy breast tissue, optimizing the aesthetic result. Ochsner currently has three fellowship-trained surgical oncologists performing the Hidden Scar procedure: Aimee Mackey, MD, Amy Rivere, MD, and George Fuhrman, MD

However, some patients will still need to undergo mastectomy to manage their cancer or as a preventative step in select high risk situations. These women deserve the most comprehensive approach to reconstruction. Our expert plastic surgeons offer the complete array of reconstructive options for our patients, with excellent outcomes - implants all the way to complex microsurgical techniques.

The Lieselotte Tansey Breast Center at Ochsner has been designated as Louisiana’s only Center of Excellence by Hidden Scar™. By offering the full armamentarium of surgical procedures, the Lieselotte Tansey Breast Center, a part of the Ochsner Cancer Institute, is continuing in the health system’s commitment to bringing the most innovative procedures and therapies to cancer patients in the New Orleans area.

Benign Breast Conditions

There are many types of benign breast conditions or diseases. Some require no medical treatment but others require care. Some types can increase the risk of breast cancer. Talk to an Ochsner physician to learn more.

High Risk and Hereditary Cancer Program

Some breast cancers are hereditary, meaning that certain women can be at higher risk of developing breast cancer if their mother, sister, or other close relative suffered from the condition, especially at a younger age. All patients at Ochsner with breast cancer have the option of receiving genetic counseling and testing, as indicated by national guideline, with one of our team members. In addition to hereditary risks, some patients with specific breast findings on mammography need more intensive screening with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

Our team proactively identifies those patients with elevated risk and transitions them to the more intensive screening regimen so that any abnormalities can be identified and addressed sooner. Our multidisciplinary team will also help you develop an individualized risk management plan and support you to implement this plan.

SCHEDULE A MAMMOGRAM

Your mammogram came back “abnormal.” Now what?

While it’s true that one out of six American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes, most women with abnormal mammograms turn out to be cancer free. In most situations, the more appropriate next step isn’t a surgical biopsy but something called a core needle biopsy, which may rule out the need for surgery all together. No one has more experience with core needle biopsies in our region than Ochsner.

At Ochsner, the appropriate core needle biopsy technique is performed (Ultrasound-guided, MRI-guided or Stereotactic) and the results are used to create a customized treatment plan for each patient. The small amount of tissue removed during a core needle biopsy can give your team a great deal of information about the tumor type, grade and characteristics that can affect your prognosis.

Unlike a surgical biopsy, there is less disturbance or distortion of tissue with a needle core biopsy. And there are other benefits well. With a core needle biopsy, tissue is preserved for lymph node mapping. The procedure includes localization and marking for future care management. It’s important to note that this approach does not delay chemotherapy, if needed. More importantly, it can reduce the need for more surgery in many cases.

Patient Housing Options

Patients may stay at Ochsner’s Brent House Hotel, a full-service hotel with guest rooms and suites adjacent to Ochsner Medical Center. Call toll free 1-800-535-3986 or go to brenthouse.com for more information.

Patients and a caregiver may also stay at the American Cancer Society’s Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge. This program helps patients cope with the cancer treatment process and provides a supportive environment for patients. Ochsner can help coordinate housing arrangements if needed and additional information is available by calling 504-219-2200.

Qualified patients and family members can obtain free lodging at the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge.

Support Groups

Ochsner offers multiple FREE classes and support groups for patients and their families before, during and after chemotherapy.

For more information on dates and times, click here.

Survivorship

The Ochsner Survivorship Clinic staff strives to address the unique healthcare needs of each cancer survivor, to maximize his/her quality of life, and to help each survivor live well beyond cancer. We are open to all adult patients, regardless of where or when they received treatment.

Our novel Integrative Oncology program strives to comprehensively support our patients needs throughout their cancer journey. Our growing program offers individualized assessments, acupuncture, exercise, mindfulness/meditation, and yoga for all patients.

Click here to learn more.