Breast Cancer — Understanding Your Diagnosis and Surgical Options
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. If you have been diagnosed, know that you have options — and that today's surgical techniques can remove cancer while preserving or restoring your breast appearance in a single surgery. Dr. Schwartz specializes in oncoplastic breast surgery that treats the cancer and addresses reconstruction at the same time.
Quick Summary
- What it is: Breast cancer is uncontrolled growth of cells in breast tissue. It's the most common cancer among women.
- It's treatable: Modern surgical, medical, and radiation approaches provide effective treatment options.
- You have surgical options: Lumpectomy (breast-conserving) or mastectomy, each with different implications for your appearance.
- Reconstruction can happen now: Dr. Schwartz performs cancer removal and immediate reconstruction in a single surgery.
- Your team matters: Breast cancer treatment involves your surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, and other specialists working together.
What Is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer begins when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably. Most breast cancers start in the milk ducts (ductal carcinoma) or the milk-producing glands (lobular carcinoma). Breast cancer can be in situ (contained within the duct or lobe) or invasive (spreading into surrounding breast tissue). Early detection and modern treatment have significantly improved outcomes.
Your breast is made up of fat, connective tissue, and glandular tissue organized into lobes. Within these structures are ducts that carry milk. Cancer can develop in any of these tissues, which is why understanding your specific type of cancer is important for treatment planning.
If you've been diagnosed with breast cancer, it's important to know that:
- You are not alone — breast cancer is highly prevalent, but also highly treatable.
- Your care is personalized — treatment is tailored to your specific diagnosis and goals.
- Modern surgery can address both cancer removal and your appearance in the same operation.
- Your surgical care is just one part of a coordinated team approach.
The pages below describe specific types of breast cancer. If you've been diagnosed with a particular type, clicking the link will give you detailed information about that diagnosis and how it's treated.
Types of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is classified by where it starts in the breast (ductal, lobular, or other tissue) and whether it has spread beyond its original location (in situ or invasive). Each type has different treatment approaches and prognoses. Knowing your specific type helps your care team recommend the best treatment plan.
What Makes Oncoplastic Surgery Different
Traditionally, breast cancer surgery and reconstruction are separate procedures performed by different surgeons weeks or months apart. Oncoplastic surgery brings these together — one surgeon, one operation, complete cancer removal and breast restoration in a single surgery.
Traditional Approach
- Cancer surgeon removes tumor
- Weeks or months later, plastic surgeon performs reconstruction
- Two separate operations
- Two anesthesias
- Two recovery periods
- Separate surgical planning
- Longer total timeline
Oncoplastic Approach
- Surgeon trained in both cancer removal and reconstruction
- Cancer and appearance addressed in one surgery
- One operation
- One anesthesia
- One recovery period
- Integrated surgical planning
- Faster return to normal life
Why Your Appearance Matters
Breast cancer surgery affects not just your health, but your body image and emotional well-being. The goal of oncoplastic surgery is to remove all cancer and restore your breast to a natural appearance that makes you feel confident and whole. Your appearance matters — not as vanity, but as a fundamental part of your recovery and quality of life.
By addressing cancer removal and reconstruction together, Dr. Schwartz can plan the entire surgery to achieve the best oncologic outcome (complete cancer removal) and the best aesthetic outcome (natural appearance) simultaneously.
Your Multidisciplinary Care Team
Important: Breast cancer treatment is a team effort. Your care will likely involve multiple specialists working together to give you the best outcome.
Your breast cancer care team may include several specialists, each with specific expertise. Dr. Schwartz coordinates the surgical component of your treatment while working closely with your entire care team to ensure all aspects of your treatment plan work together seamlessly.
Breast Surgeon
Removes cancer and plans surgical approach. Dr. Schwartz specializes in oncoplastic surgery, combining cancer removal with reconstruction.
Medical Oncologist
Recommends and administers chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy based on your pathology and stage.
Radiation Oncologist
Plans and delivers radiation therapy if recommended after surgery to reduce recurrence risk.
Pathologist
Examines your tissue sample to determine the exact type, grade, and stage of your cancer — crucial information for treatment planning.
Radiologist
Performs imaging (mammography, ultrasound, MRI) to evaluate your cancer and monitor your breasts during and after treatment.
Genetic Counselor
Evaluates your family history and may recommend genetic testing (like BRCA testing) to inform your treatment and prevention strategies.
Plastic Surgeon
Works with Dr. Schwartz on reconstruction techniques and may perform additional reconstruction procedures if needed.
Cancer Nurse Navigator / Care Coordinator
Helps coordinate appointments, explain your diagnosis, answer questions, and connect you to support services.
Your care team communicates regularly to ensure that all aspects of your treatment — surgery, medical therapy, radiation, and supportive care — work together for your best outcome. Dr. Schwartz takes an active role in these conversations to ensure your surgical plan aligns with your overall treatment strategy.
Insurance & Reconstruction Rights
Breast reconstruction after cancer is a medically necessary procedure protected by federal law. The Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) requires all health insurance plans to cover reconstruction from the time of your cancer diagnosis.
Your Rights Under WHCRA
Federal law requires your insurance to cover:
- Breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy
- Surgery to achieve symmetry with the opposite breast
- Prosthetic devices and related services
- Treatment of complications from reconstruction
Reconstruction is not cosmetic — it is medically necessary and a standard part of breast cancer treatment.
During your consultation, Dr. Schwartz's office can discuss your insurance coverage, estimate your out-of-pocket costs, and work with your insurance company to ensure authorization before surgery. We recommend having your insurance information available at your appointment.
For more detailed information about your insurance rights and coverage, please visit our Insurance Rights page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are my surgical options for breast cancer?
Your surgical options depend on the size, stage, and location of your cancer, as well as your personal preferences. The main options are lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery to remove just the tumor and surrounding tissue) or mastectomy (removal of the entire breast tissue). Dr. Schwartz can discuss which option is right for you and how to address your appearance at the same time.
What is oncoplastic breast surgery?
Oncoplastic breast surgery combines cancer removal with immediate breast reconstruction in a single operation. Rather than having separate surgeries weeks or months apart, Dr. Schwartz removes the cancer and restores your breast appearance in one surgery with one anesthesia. This approach provides better aesthetic outcomes, faster recovery, and emotional benefits of one procedure instead of two.
Can cancer removal and reconstruction happen in the same surgery?
Yes. Dr. Schwartz is one of only two surgeons in Georgia who performs both cancer removal and immediate reconstruction in a single surgery. This is standard practice in oncoplastic surgery and offers significant advantages: one anesthesia, one recovery period, better symmetry and appearance, and one hospital visit instead of multiple procedures.
Will I need chemotherapy or radiation?
Whether you need chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy depends on your specific diagnosis and is determined by your care team. Your medical oncologist and radiation oncologist will recommend treatment based on your pathology results and stage. Dr. Schwartz works with your entire care team to coordinate the surgical component of your treatment plan.
How do I know if I need a lumpectomy or mastectomy?
The choice between lumpectomy and mastectomy is based on several factors: tumor size and location, whether there are multiple tumors, whether you have a genetic predisposition, your personal preferences, and whether breast-conserving surgery can remove all the cancer while maintaining a good appearance. During your consultation, Dr. Schwartz will review your imaging and pathology to discuss what's recommended for your situation.
Is breast reconstruction covered by insurance?
Yes. The Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) is federal law that requires all insurance plans to cover breast reconstruction from the time of your cancer diagnosis. Reconstruction is not considered cosmetic — it is medically necessary and protected by law. Learn more on our Insurance Rights page.
What is aesthetic flat closure?
Aesthetic flat closure is an option for patients who choose mastectomy without reconstruction. Rather than placing an implant or using donor tissue, Dr. Schwartz creates a flat, sculpted chest wall that looks natural and allows patients to go without a prosthesis if they choose. This approach respects body diversity and gives you the option that feels right for you.
How long is recovery after breast cancer surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery and whether reconstruction is done at the same time. Generally, most patients can resume light activities within 2-3 weeks and return to normal activities (including exercise) in 4-6 weeks. Dr. Schwartz will provide detailed recovery instructions specific to your procedure.
What should I bring to my first consultation?
Please bring your imaging (mammogram, MRI, or ultrasound on CD or USB drive), pathology report if you've had a biopsy, list of current medications and supplements, and any previous surgical records. It's also helpful to bring photos of breasts you find aesthetically pleasing to discuss your goals. You're welcome to bring a support person to help with notes and questions.
Does Dr. Schwartz treat patients from out of town?
Yes. Many patients travel to see Dr. Schwartz for consultation and surgery. Most surgical appointments can be completed in 2-3 visits: initial consultation, pre-operative appointments, and surgery with follow-up. We can coordinate with your local care team and work with your schedule. Call us at (770) 962-9977 to discuss logistics for your specific situation.
Have Questions About Your Diagnosis?
Call our office or request a callback — we are here for you.