Breast Surgery and Oncololgy
The faculty in the section of Breast Surgery cares for the largest number of patients with breast diseases in West Virginia. They were responsible for the development of the Breast Center of Excellence that became the first of its kind in the state, and was the first to be fully accredited by the American College of Surgeons through its National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. The accreditation validated the Breast Center already established standards of quality care that adhere to the most current scientific evidence.
The Breast Surgeons from the department are able to examine and diagnose patients with breast concerns within 24 hours after the need is recognized, and commonly on the same day when patients call for an appointment.
The section’s Breast Surgeons are certified by the American Society of Breast Surgeons to perform minimally invasive breast biopsies. These procedures are almost always carried out under ultrasound or x-ray guidance, so patients can go home shortly after undergoing any of these diagnostic maneuvers.
Breast surgeons routinely present and discuss patients who have been diagnosed with breast cancer in a weekly multidisciplinary conference. This meeting brings together experts in Medical Oncology, Radiology, Radiation Oncology, Pathology, Plastic Surgery and others who reach a consensus regarding the best options of treatment applicable to the patients being discussed.
The Breast section of the West Virginia University Department of Surgery has a solid history of research in breast cancer. For example, the department was part of the original research conducted to identify the sentinel node in breast cancer, a landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, which lead to a paradigm change in the care of breast cancer. Biopsy of the sentinel node is now a routine step in the algorithms used to make decisions of treatment in breast cancer patients.
The breast surgeons from the Department of Surgery offer patients:
- Rapid access
- Rapid diagnosis
- Multidisciplinary decision-making
- Best treatment options
- Oncoplastic techniques for superior cosmetic results
- Collaboration with Breast Plastic Surgeons
- Education and Support
A high risk clinic for patients with breast diseases is open, under the direction of Dr. Roberto Kusminsky. Services will include genetic counseling and testing in a centralized area at the Breast Center.
A selection of procedures performed by the breast service during a 12-month period includes:
- Ultrasound guided biopsy/aspiration: 1,250
- Sterotaxic biopsy: 179
- Excision of breast lesion: 85
- Mastectomy (all types): 137
Associate Professor of Surgery Chief, Section of Breast Surgery and Oncology
Professor of Surgery, Director Breast Risk Clinic