Breast Surgery Procedures & Treatments
CaroMont Health's breast surgery team is trained in the latest evidence-based techniques, offering procedures that span the full continuum of breast care, from early detection and diagnosis to surgery and reconstruction.
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
A minimally invasive procedure that uses imaging to guide a small needle to suspicious breast tissue, so we can take a sample without the need for open surgery. You'll be positioned comfortably throughout and most patients are in and out the same day. Getting answers quickly matters and this approach lets us move forward with a clear, accurate picture of your health as soon as possible.
Lumpectomy (Breast-Conserving Surgery)
A surgery that removes the tumor and a small amount of tissue around it, while keeping as much of your breast as possible. For many patients with early-stage breast cancer, this approach offers the same outcomes as full breast removal. Your surgeon will focus on both removing the cancer completely and achieving the best possible result for your body. Radiation therapy is often recommended afterward and your care team will walk you through everything before, during and after your procedure.
Mastectomy
A surgery to remove one or both breasts, either as a treatment for cancer or to significantly reduce the risk of it developing. When possible, our surgeons use techniques that preserve the nipple and as much natural skin as possible, which can make reconstruction easier and more natural looking. We know this is a big decision and we'll take as much time as you need to talk through your options, answer your questions and make sure you feel fully supported every step of the way.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
When breast cancer is diagnosed, it's important to find out whether cancer cells have reached the lymph nodes. This procedure identifies and removes only the first one or two lymph nodes most likely to be affected, rather than taking out a larger number. If those nodes come back clear, no further lymph node surgery is typically needed. This targeted approach lowers the risk of side effects like arm swelling (lymphedema) while still giving your care team the information they need.
Genetic Testing & Counseling
Some breast cancers are linked to inherited gene changes, most commonly in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. A simple blood or saliva test can tell us whether you carry one of these changes, helping guide decisions about treatment, monitoring and prevention. Our genetic counselors will walk you through what your results mean in everyday language, talk through what your options are and help you understand what this information may mean for other members of your family too.
Breast Reconstruction
After a mastectomy, many patients choose to have their breast or breasts rebuilt. Our breast surgery team works closely with our plastic surgeons to offer options that use either implants or your own body's tissue to create a natural, long-lasting result. Reconstruction can happen at the same time as your mastectomy or at a later date, depending on what's right for your treatment and your life. We'll make sure you have plenty of time to explore your options and feel confident in your decision.
3-D Mammography (Tomosynthesis)
A more advanced version of a standard mammogram that takes multiple images from different angles to build a detailed, three-dimensional picture of your breast tissue. This allows our radiologists to see through overlapping tissue more clearly, which means smaller or harder-to-spot areas of concern are less likely to be missed. It also reduces the chance of being called back for additional imaging after a routine screening, which we know can be stressful.
Breast Ultrasound
An imaging tool that uses sound waves rather than radiation to look at breast tissue in real time. It's often used alongside a mammogram to get a clearer look at a specific area, tell the difference between a fluid-filled cyst and a solid mass, or guide a needle during a biopsy. It's safe, painless and particularly helpful for patients with dense breast tissue where mammograms alone may not tell the full story.
Prophylactic Surgery
For patients with a significantly elevated risk of breast cancer, such as those who carry a BRCA gene mutation, preventive surgery may be an option worth considering. This can involve removing one or both breasts or, in some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes, to substantially reduce the chance of cancer developing. We know this is not a decision anyone takes lightly and our team will approach the conversation with care, honesty and full respect for what you want for your health and your future.