Penn State Health Pioneers Combined Breast Cancer surgery Approach for Improved Recovery
HERSHEY, PA – Women undergoing breast cancer surgery at Penn State Health now have access to a combined surgical approach that integrates cancer removal with immediate plastic reconstruction, potentially reducing recovery time and improving emotional well-being. The innovative technique, highlighted in this week’s Medical Minute, allows patients to experience a single recovery period rather of multiple surgeries.
laurie Engle recently benefited from the combined procedure performed by Dr. Chance Kaplan, a breast surgeon, and Dr. Marnie Kaplan, a plastic surgeon. Engle opted to have both her lumpectomy and reconstructive surgery completed simultaneously. “I definitely saw the benefits of combining procedures,” Engle said. “Why recover twice when you can recover once?”
The Penn State Health Breast Center recommends annual mammograms for all women begining at age 40, alongside monthly breast self-exams to check for lumps or changes. Early detection is crucial, and warning signs of breast cancer include a painless lump, swollen lymph nodes, pain or heaviness in the breast, swelling, redness or thickening of the breast skin, and changes in the nipple.
If symptoms are detected, patients should consult their primary care provider for a referral for a mammogram and potentially a breast surgeon. Penn State health offers thorough breast surgery services and encourages women to schedule mammograms at locations convenient to them.
This Medical Minute is a weekly health news feature from Penn State Health, offering expertise from its faculty, physicians, and staff.
