Shaw Cancer Center has some of the most respected cancer surgeons in Colorado. Our surgeons are experts in cancer surgery including breast, colon and rectal, thyroid, and melanoma.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
This is a surgical procedure performed at time of breast surgery to help identify the lymph nodes in your armpit/axilla. This procedure involves injecting a radioactive tracer and a dye into the breast to map out the lymph nodes. Only these sentinel nodes are removed as these are the nodes in the axilla where cancer could have potentially spread.
Breast Conservation
A partial mastectomy or lumpectomy is the most common breast cancer surgery performed and is sometimes called breast conservation surgery. This procedure removes the tumor from the breast plus a rim of normal tissue surrounding the tumor. A portion of normal breast tissue must be removed surrounding the tumor to ensure that the tumor has been completely removed. This extra portion is called a margin. Occasionally the skin and lining of the chest muscle below the tumor is removed.
Oncoplastic Surgery
Oncoplastic surgery is a breast cancer surgery that removes a tumor and reshapes the breast (reconstructive surgery) during the same surgery. The goal of oncoplastic surgery is to remove cancer while preserving the physical appearance of the natural breast. The process may involve operating on both breasts, including one that may not have cancer, to make the two breasts symmetrical. Oncoplastic surgery options depend on the breast cancer characteristics, the patient’s body, and the patient’s desired outcomes.
Simple Mastectomy/ Skin-Sparing Mastectomy
A total or simple mastectomy removes the entire breast. This procedure is used to treat some breast cancers that cannot be treated with lumpectomy and for a prophylactic mastectomy to prevent cancer. Skin sparing mastectomy removes the nipple areola complex and a minimal amount of skin is removed. Most women who are eligible for immediate breast reconstruction have a skin sparing mastectomy in order to preserve skin for reconstruction.
Nipple Sparing and Nipple Areola Sparing Mastectomy
This is a type of skin sparing mastectomy that involves removing breast tissue while preserving the nipple and/or nipple areola complex. It is followed with reconstruction.
Reconstructive Surgery
Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body, caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. It is generally performed to improve functionality, but may also be done to achieve a more normal appearance. Dr. Jason Martin is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstructive surgery. Reconstructive surgery not only improves physical appearance, but also has psychological benefits, which may promote a sense of wellness. Each patient's unique goals, lifestyle and medical history are considered when determining the appropriate surgery.
Reconstructive surgery may be covered by health insurance policies, although coverage for specific procedures and levels of coverage may vary greatly.
Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body to improve the patient's appearance and self-esteem. It is not covered by health insurance.
