Cancer care, tailored to you
At UTMB Health, your breast cancer surgery care is centered on you — your diagnosis, your needs, and your goals. Our surgical team uses advanced techniques to treat breast cancer with precision, while focusing on preserving appearance and supporting your quality of life. You’ll be supported by a coordinated team that includes cancer specialists, all working together in your care. From your first visit through your recovery, you’ll be treated by a team that wants to see you become cancer-free, as much as you do.
Conditions We Treat
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS)
Overview:
Ductal carcinoma in situ is an early form of breast cancer that stays inside the milk ducts and has not spread into nearby breast tissue. It is sometimes called a “non-invasive” or “stage 0” breast cancer. DCIS is often found during routine mammograms before any symptoms develop. Because it is caught early, it’s usually very treatable and has a high chance of being managed successfully.
Common Symptoms:
- Usually no symptoms
- Found on mammogram
- Sometimes a small lump
- Rare nipple discharge
- Rare breast changes
Treatments & Procedures:
- Lumpectomy (removal of a portion of breast)
- Mastectomy (removal of entire breast)
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy
- Lymphadenectomy (removal of lymph nodes)
- Reverse axillary mapping (prevention of lymphedema)
- Wide local excision (removal of tumor with margin of normal tissue)
- Radiation therapy
- Hormone therapy
Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Overview:
Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare and fast-growing type of breast cancer. It affects the skin and lymph vessels of the breast instead of forming a typical lump. This can cause changes in how the breast looks and feels over a short period of time. Because it grows quickly, it often needs urgent medical attention and is usually diagnosed after symptoms appear rather than through routine screening.
Common Symptoms:
- Redness of the breast
- Swelling or warmth
- Skin thickening or dimpling
- Rapid change in breast size
- Nipple changes
Treatments & Procedures:
- Chemotherapy
- Mastectomy (removal of entire breast)
- Lymphadenectomy (removal of lymph nodes)
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy
- Reverse axillary mapping (prevention of lymphedema)
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Hormone therapy (if needed)
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
Overview:
Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is the most common type of breast cancer. It starts in the milk ducts of the breast and then spreads into nearby breast tissue. Over time, it may also spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. This type of breast cancer can vary in how quickly it grows and how it appears on imaging tests.
Common Symptoms:
- Breast lump or thickening
- Changes in breast shape or size
- Skin dimpling
- Nipple discharge
- Nipple turning inward
Treatments & Procedures:
- Lumpectomy (removal of a portion of breast)
- Mastectomy (removal of entire breast) with reconstruction if desired.
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy (sampling first draining lymph nodes in the arm pit area.)
- Lymphadenectomy (removal of lymph nodes)
- Reverse axillary mapping (prevention of lymphedema)
- Wide local excision (removal of tumor with margin of normal tissue)
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Hormone therapy
- Targeted therapy
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
Overview:
Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) begins in the milk-producing glands of the breast and spreads into nearby tissue. It often grows in a less obvious pattern than other breast cancers, which may make it harder to see on mammograms. This cancer may not form an obvious lump and can spread through the breast in thin strands of cells, sometimes affecting more than one area at the same time.
Common Symptoms:
- Thickened area in the breast
- Subtle changes in texture
- Fullness or swelling
- Breast pain
- Change in breast shape
Treatments & Procedures:
- Lumpectomy (removal of a portion of breast)
- Mastectomy (removal of entire breast) with and without reconstruction
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy
- Lymphadenectomy (removal of lymph nodes)
- Reverse axillary mapping (prevention of lymphedema)
- Wide local excision (removal of tumor with margin of normal tissue)
- Hormone therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
Lobular Carcinoma in Situ (LCIS)
Overview:
Lobular carcinoma in situ is a condition where abnormal cells are found in the milk-producing glands of the breast. It is not cancer, but it is a marker that shows a higher risk of developing breast cancer in the future. LCIS usually does not form a lump or spread. It is often found by chance when a breast biopsy is done for another reason.
Common Symptoms:
- No noticeable symptoms
- No breast lump
- No visible breast changes
- Found on biopsy
- Usually discovered incidentally
Treatments & Procedures:
- Active surveillance
- Regular mammograms or MRI
- Risk-reducing medications
- Lifestyle risk reduction
- Preventive surgery in some cases (lumpectomy or mastectomy)
Phyllodes Tumor
Overview:
Phyllodes tumors are rare breast tumors that grow in the connective tissue of the breast rather than the ducts or glands. Most are not cancer, but some can be cancerous or grow quickly. These tumors can become large in a short time and may change the shape of the breast. They are uncommon and are often different from the more typical types of breast cancer.
Common Symptoms:
- Fast-growing breast lump
- Firm or smooth mass
- Breast size change
- Skin stretching over lump
- Rare discomfort
Treatments & Procedures:
- Surgical removal (wide excision)
- Mastectomy (removal of entire breast)
- Lumpectomy (removal of a portion of breast)
- Wide local excision (removal of tumor with margin of normal tissue)
- Radiation therapy (select cases)
Services & Procedures
Lumpectomy/Partial Mastectomy
Overview:
A lumpectomy is a breast-conserving surgery that removes a tumor along with a small margin of healthy tissue around it. The goal is to remove the cancer while preserving the natural shape of the breast as much as possible. This procedure is often performed using image guidance to accurately locate the tumor. It’s typically done as an outpatient surgery with a focus on both effective treatment and cosmetic outcome.
Conditions Treated:
- Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)
- Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC)
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
- Selected benign or borderline tumors
Before the Procedure:
- Imaging tests to locate the tumor
- Possible wire or seed placement to guide surgery
- Review of medications and medical history
- Instructions about eating or drinking before surgery
After the Procedure:
- Mild pain, swelling, or bruising
- Return home the same day in most cases
- Follow-up visit to review pathology results
- Possible need for radiation therapy
Mastectomy
Overview:
A mastectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the entire breast, including the breast tissue and, in some cases, nearby structures. It may be performed using different techniques depending on the situation, including skin-sparing or nipple-sparing approaches. Some patients choose to have breast reconstruction during the same surgery or at a later time. The procedure is designed to remove as much breast tissue as needed while supporting long-term health and recovery.
Conditions Treated:
- Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)
- Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC)
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
- Inflammatory breast cancer
- High-risk or preventive cases
Before the Procedure:
- Imaging and possible biopsy
- Discussion of reconstruction options
- Review of medications and overall health
- Instructions about fasting before surgery
After the Procedure:
- Hospital stay may be needed
- Surgical drains may be placed temporarily
- Soreness, swelling, and limited arm movement
- Follow-up care and possible additional treatments
Regional Node Lymphadenectomy
Overview:
Lymphadenectomy is a procedure that involves removing a group of lymph nodes, most often from the underarm area. It provides a more complete evaluation of whether cancer has spread beyond the breast. The extent of node removal can vary depending on the situation. This procedure plays an important role in staging cancer and guiding the next steps, while also requiring careful surgical planning to reduce side effects.
Conditions Treated:
- Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)
- Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC)
- Inflammatory breast cancer
- Advanced or node-positive disease
Before the Procedure:
- Imaging to assess lymph nodes
- Review of medical history and medications
- Discussion of risks such as lymphedema
- Pre-surgery instructions
After the Procedure:
- Higher risk of arm swelling (lymphedema)
- Limited arm movement at first
- Physical therapy may be recommended
- Ongoing follow-up care
Reverse Axillary Mapping
Overview:
Reverse axillary mapping is a specialized technique used during lymph node surgery to help identify and preserve the lymphatic pathways that drain the arm. By using a separate dye or tracer, surgeons can better distinguish these pathways from those related to the breast. The goal is to reduce the risk of lymphedema, a condition that causes arm swelling, while still allowing for effective lymph node evaluation.
Used During Surgery For:
- Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)
- Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC)
- DCIS
- Inflammatory breast cancer
Before the Procedure:
- Injection of special dye to map lymphatic flow
- Planning alongside lymph node surgery
- Review of overall surgical plan
After the Procedure:
- Similar recovery to lymphadenectomy surgery
- Potential lower risk of lymphedema
- Monitoring for swelling or discomfort
- Follow-up visits as part of cancer care
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Breast Cancer
Overview:
A sentinel lymph node biopsy is a procedure used to identify and remove the first lymph nodes that drain fluid from the breast in the armpit (axilla). These nodes are most likely to show whether cancer has begun to spread. By focusing only on the key lymph nodes, this approach helps limit the amount of tissue removed while still providing important information and minimizing the risk of lymphedema.
Conditions Treated:
- Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)
- Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC)
- Selected cases of DCIS
- Inflammatory breast cancer
Before the Procedure:
- Injection of dye or tracer to locate lymph nodes
- Imaging or mapping before surgery
- Review of medications
- Instructions about eating before surgery
After the Procedure:
- Mild discomfort under the arm
- Temporary skin discoloration from dye
- Low risk of swelling (lymphedema)
- Results help guide further treatment
Your Care Team
Each provider may treat different conditions. Click on a profile to see their areas of specialty.
Additional Resources
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What’s the difference between a mastectomy and lumpectomy?
A lumpectomy removes the tumor and a small margin of tissue, while keeping most of the breast. A mastectomy removes the entire breast. Lumpectomy is often followed by radiation, while mastectomy may or may not require it. The best option depends on the cancer type, stage, and patient preference.
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Will I need lymph node surgery?
Some patients need lymph node evaluation to check if cancer has spread. This may involve a sentinel lymph node biopsy or removal of additional nodes.
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Can I keep my breast after surgery?
In many cases, yes. Breast-conserving surgery may be an option depending on the size and location of the tumor.
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Will I need breast reconstruction?
Reconstruction is optional. Some patients choose to rebuild the breast during or after surgery, while others do not.
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Will I need other treatments besides surgery?
Many patients receive additional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy as part of their care plan.
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How long is recovery after breast surgery?
Recovery time varies based on the type of surgery. Some procedures allow for a quicker return to normal activities, while others require more time.
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Will surgery affect how my breast looks?
There may be changes in shape, size, or appearance. Your surgical team will discuss what to expect and ways to preserve or restore appearance.
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How do I know which surgery is right for me?
Your care team will guide you based on your diagnosis, overall health, and personal preferences.
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Our Locations
- 146 East Hospital Drive
Suite 205 - Tuesday: 12 p.m.–5 p.m.
- (979) 848-9111
- (979) 849-1806
- Website
- 215 Oak Drive South
Suite B - M–F: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- (979) 319-3051
- (979) 266-9834
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- 2280 Gulf Freeway South
2nd Floor - M–F: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- (832) 505-4000
- (832) 505-4040
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- 1005 Harborside Drive
5th Floor - M–F: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- (409) 772-6789
- (409) 772-2812
- Website