Looking for Surgeon

LMJ40

I have a friend that has the precursor for breast cancer and is leaning toward having a bilateral mastectomy.  She doesn't care where she has to go but she wants the best. Does anyone have suggestions as how she can search (including the web) for the best breast cancer surgeon? Thank you any of your help and God Bless.

ktym

I'd recommend the American Society of Breast Disease Website for information regarding specialists (not just surgeons) in breast disease in her area.  Also the American College of Surgeons website allows for searching for surgeons who meet criteria for Fellowship in the College (not to be confused with fellowship training in breast surgery).  I'd recommend she find someone who not only did a surgcial residency but also spent additional training with a fellowship in breast surgery.  In addition she'll want to find out if that surgeon can work in conjunction with a plastic surgeon with a large experience in breast reconstruction.  Tell her if when she asks the surgeon or their office before making an appointment if they've done training in breast surgery, and the surgeon gets defensive about not needing specific training in breast surgery, for her to keep looking.

TBird1964

Not sure where your friend lives, but MD has a top in the nation female breast surgeon. Dr Kristin Fernandez. You can find her at the Breast Center @ Franklin Square. You can read more at http://www.franklinsquare.org/npt.cfm?id=555601. Also, Johns Hopkins Hospital has an incredible staff. Good luck to you.

Sincerely,

Teresa

bisous3

She kind of needs to work backwards. Decide what KIND of mastectomy/reconstruction she wants, then find out which surgeon she wants to use. A great book is the "Breast Reconstruction Guidebook" by Kathy Steligo.

One thing to keep in mind is surgeons will not necessarily present surgical options to her that they do not personally perform. There are a LOT of options and not all surgeons do all of them. Thats why she really needs to educate herself as to what is available to her and not depend on any one surgeon to give her all her information.

HTH! 

vegas

LMJ40, Bisous3 is right (as always, my dear!). Your friend needs to determine which type of breast reconstruction she wants first and then find the top surgeon for that particular procedure. Most surgeons only recommend the type of surgery THEY are most comfortable with, not necessarily the one that she would prefer based on lifestyle and emotional makeup if she were given all her options.

And it is best to find a surgical team that works together well and frequently. The breast oncology surgeon removes the tissue and then the plastic surgeon does the reconstruction. The plastic surgeon's results very much are determined by what the breast surgeon does first.

Has your friend had genetic testing? If she has a genetic mutation you may want to also refer her to www.facingourrisk.org which is a specialty site for women are at high risk for breast and/or ovarian cancer. There is a huge discussion group on prophylactic mastectomies and the pros and cons of each type as well as lots of support from other women who "get" where she is at.  

LL11

I agree with Teresa - Dr. Kristin Fernandez is the best!