Lisa Hamilton, MD, FACS
Breast Surgeon
You're in Good Hands
We are here to help you through every step of a breast cancer diagnosis and the breast reconstruction process.
Comprehensive Treatment from Our Team of Breast Care Experts
Breast cancer and other breast diseases often require treatment from many different specialists and medical professionals. Minnesota Oncology brings together the most advanced treatment therapies, diagnostic technologies, breast care experts and comprehensive supportive care, providing a total treatment program.
Our multidisciplinary team of breast specialists is comprised of recognized experts in breast surgical oncology, medical and radiation oncology, diagnostics, pathology, genetic risk evaluation and supportive care―all collaborating to deliver unparalleled continuity of care. This unique integrated care model reduces patient stress, makes care more efficient and ensures our breast patients achieve the best possible results. With our breast care services we’re by your side every step of the way.
Our team of breast care experts are seeing patient at our Bloomington, Coon Rapids, Plymouth and Saint Paul locations.
Choosing a Breast Cancer Surgery Specialist
Surgeons play a critical role in breast cancer treatment, and choosing your breast surgeon may be one of the most important decisions you will make concerning your care. Since breast cancer treatment frequently begins with surgery, surgical outcomes pave the way for the treatment to follow. That’s why it is extremely important to choose a highly qualified and experienced surgeon who specializes in breast cancer surgery.
Many surgeons occasionally operate on breast cancer, typically handling only a few cases a year. However, when it comes to breast cancer surgery, practice makes perfect. Research shows that patients who have surgeries done by physicians who perform a high volume of breast cancer surgeries have a better prognosis than patients of lower volume surgeons.
Surgeons who specialize in breast cancer have dedicated their professional careers to the disease, performing hundreds of breast cancer surgeries every year. With years of rigorous training and education focused on breast disease, they have an in-depth knowledge of cancer biology, genetics and the most advanced surgical options to help patients achieve the best possible results.
Types of Breast Cancer Removal Surgery
Breast Conserving Surgeries
Breast Removal Surgeries
Do you need to remove both breasts?
The answer to this question is based on where the cancer has been found. For women who have a BRCA gene mutation, you can also discuss preventative mastectomy with your breast surgeon. Learn more about genetic testing for the BRCA gene mutation.
Breast Biopsy
A breast biopsy is a diagnostic procedure to remove a small sample of breast tissue for laboratory testing.
Lymph Node Biopsies for Breast Cancer
When breast cancer leaves the breast it most often goes to the nearby lymph nodes next. Once cancer cells have entered the lymphatic system, different types of treatments will be needed to be sure all the cancer cells are killed. To find out if the cancer has started to grow in the lymph nodes, a biopsy is performed. Learn more about lymph node status.
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Free Guide for Newly Diagnosed
Breast Cancer Patients
Helpful tips on what to expect and how to prepare for breast cancer treatment.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
In a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), the surgeon finds and removes the first lymph node(s) to drain fluid from the breast.
Axillary Lymph Node Dissection
Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (ALND) is a procedure in which anywhere from about 10 to 40 (though usually less than 20) lymph nodes are removed from the area under the armpit (axilla) and checked for cancer spread.
Lymph Node Biopsy Side Effects
There can be some side effects of lymph node biopsies, and the removal of lymph nodes, that you can prepare for. Learn more
You may want to review and consider your breast reconstruction options before breast cancer removal surgery to determine whether the removal surgery will include any procedures to prepare your body for reconstruction.
Learn more about:
- Breast implants
- Flap reconstruction
- Combination of breast implants and flap reconstruction
Find a Breast Cancer Specialist Near You
With 12 locations throughout the Twin Cities, an experienced breast cancer specialist is easily accessible from every corner of our region. Our team will not only recommend the right breast cancer treatment for you, but we will also offer the support you and your loved ones need right now.
Get the answers you need. Schedule an appointment now.
