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EXPERT SURGICAL CARE IN DELAWARE

Beebe Healthcare is proud to offer expert-led, team-driven, and patient-focused treatments for breast cancer. One option for treatment is breast surgery. Our certified and experienced surgical oncology team is here for you – to provide advanced treatment in a comfortable atmosphere, close to home.


What types of surgery does Beebe offer?

Beebe Center for Breast Health offers traditional and minimally invasive breast surgery. The two types of breast cancer surgery are lumpectomy and mastectomy.

Lumpectomy removes the tumor and some of the healthy tissue. A lumpectomy may be a surgical option for early-stage cancer.

In instances where it is necessary to remove the entire breast, the surgeon will recommend a mastectomy. Beebe’s breast surgeons perform the following mastectomy procedures:

  • Nipple-sparing mastectomy
  • Skin-sparing mastectomy
  • Total mastectomy
  • Double mastectomy
  • Lumpectomy

Your medical oncologist and your surgical oncology team will talk to you about which procedure is best for you based on your diagnosis. The decision to have surgery is also based on your personal wishes as part of your individualized treatment plan.


Our Locations


Meet the Team


I NEED TO HAVE BREAST SURGERY, WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT BEEBE?

Your surgery will be performed at one of our surgical centers in Frankford, Rehoboth Beach or Lewes, Delaware. Prior to surgery, you may need to have some testing done to be sure you are healthy enough for surgery, such as a cardiac stress test (EKG), blood test, or physician evaluation.

Once your surgery is scheduled, you can expect to receive information about arriving to the hospital, health and safety protocols, and who might be able to accompany you. You will also be informed if it is a same-day procedure or if you might be admitted to the hospital after surgery.

On the day of surgery, you will come to the hospital or surgery center. You will be in the surgery prep area where surgical teams will again make sure you are healthy enough for surgery. They will ask you questions and will be able to answer your questions as well.

The same team will greet you after your surgery and will explain next steps.


How long does it take to recover after breast cancer surgery?

Each patient recovers differently. How your recovery goes will depend on many factors including:

  • Age
  • Race/Ethnicity
  • Lifestyle – how fit and healthy you were prior to surgery
  • Adherence to recovery protocols – how well you follow your surgeon’s instructions following surgery

For many patients, breast surgery can be a same-day procedure where you can return home the same day. For others, breast surgery can mean spending a day or more in the hospital.

Your surgical oncology team will talk you through what to expect during your surgery.


BREAST RECONSTRUCTION AFTER CANCER

Patients who have a mastectomy or lumpectomy as part of their breast cancer treatment may choose to also have breast reconstruction surgery.

Breast reconstruction is achieved through several plastic surgery techniques that attempt to restore a breast to near normal shape, appearance, and size. Your breast reconstruction surgery is a process between yourself and your surgeon. You determine when and what type of surgery you prefer as part of your health journey.

A woman might choose to have reconstructive surgery after breast cancer for many reasons:

  • To make her chest look balanced when she is wearing a bra or swimsuit
  • To help make clothes fit better
  • To permanently regain her breast shape
  • So she won’t have to use a breast form that fits inside the bra (an external prosthesis)
  • To feel better about her body

Oncologic surgeons can work directly with plastic surgeons to provide both cancer removal and reconstruction in one procedure. This is known as immediate reconstruction. This efficiency is a win-win for the physicians and the patient, allowing the patient to feel safe and confident in the treatment and care, and to recover while remaining close to home.


LEARN MORE ABOUT BREAST CANCER SURGERY AT BEEBE

Beebe's Breast Health Nurse Navigators are here to answer your questions related to breast health and services for breast cancer patients.

Contact the Breast Navigator via this online form. Call (302) 645-3630 or email breastnursenavigator@ beebehealthcare.org.


Additional Resources