What Are The Advantages Of Having Surgery Done By A Breast Cancer Surgeon As Opposed To A General Surgeon?

Dr. Smith answers the question: 'Breast Cancer Surgeon or General Surgeon?'

By
Barbara Smith, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Breast Program, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
September 27, 2007, 6:27 PM ET
1 min read

— -- Question: What are the advantages of having breast cancer surgery done by a breast cancer surgeon as opposed to a general surgeon?

Answer: Like any surgical technique, experience does help the procedure go more smoothly and is associated with better outcomes. The breast surgeon may be more able to achieve a very nice cosmetic result, a better scar, and may be able to incorporate some plastic surgery techniques into the surgery.

There's also evidence that a breast specialist is more likely to refer a woman on to the other treatments that she needs afterward that will also help improve her survival, and these things would include radiation, medical therapies and perhaps genetic counseling.

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