Call us today at (973) 232-2300 | Get Directions to our Office

Breast Surgery

Today, 1 in 8 women will experience an abnormal mammogram. A biopsy is the only way to determine if the breast abnormality is malignant.

Nothing is more frightening to a patient than hearing that she needs breast surgery.

Nothing is more reassuring than the knowledge, expertise and caring she will receive at Advanced Surgical Associates.

In recent years, there have been a number of important advances in breast health and the surgeons of Advanced Surgical Associates (ASA) are committed to staying on the leading edge. We carefully evaluate suspicious breast problems. Patients are encouraged to bring copies of all imaging studies to their initial evaluation. We frequently complement physical exam with breast ultrasound for a more complete exam.

Many breast procedures (including biopsies) are performed in the office. Our goal is to reduce wait time for a diagnostic procedure to a minimum.

A full complement of surgical options for the breast cancer patient is offered including breast conserving surgery, nipple sparing mastectomy, sentinel node biopsy, reconstructions (with a consulting plastic surgeon), and balloon – catheter placement for partial breast radiation.

Biopsy Procedures

In-office Biopsy

This is the least invasive type of biopsy procedure available today and can be performed right in the comfort of our own treatment suites.

Vacora® Assisted Biopsy

Using our portable ultra-sound technology, this vacuum-assisted biopsy instrument allows our surgeons to get biopsy results within 2 days. This eliminates the normal waiting time to get into the hospital and provides the patient with more surgical treatment options, earlier.

Off-site Biopsy

Performed in the hospital or at a specialized breast center, ASA offers the most advanced, least invasive type of biopsy available today.

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Procedure

This safe, less invasive approach can accurately sample breast tissue from a suspected abnormality, faster and with fewer complications. Performed with the patient on a special table, using X-ray for guidance, the surgeon takes a number of tissue samples by inserting a thin probe into a tiny nick in the skin. Discomfort is minimal and results are frequently available within forty-eight hours.

More options in Cancer Treatment

After the biopsy results are in, ASA surgeons sit down with each patient and carefully explain all the available treatments and how each applies to the patient’s individual diagnosis. Then, together, we develop the optimum treatment program.

Whenever it is appropriate, ASA surgeons will opt for breast conservation. But, if a partial or full mastectomy is required, we offer our patients the option of a referral to some of North Jersey’s most respected plastic surgeons prior to their surgery. The plastic surgeon will be present at the time of the mastectomy so that breast reconstruction can begin immediately either as a first step or as the complete procedure.

The Sentinel Node Biopsy. Unlike traditional node biopsies, this procedure removes only 1-4 lymph nodes instead of the standard 10-20 nodes. It is as accurate as the more invasive procedure but with fewer complications.

Radiation Treatment Options

Mammosite® RTS Partial Radiation

This innovative type of radiation treats only the affected area without harming surrounding, healthy tissue. After the tumor is removed, the ASA surgeon inserts a thin catheter which the radiation oncologist will then use to direct the radiation. The entire course of radiation therapy, using this method, takes only 5 days to complete.

External Beam Radiation

After the tumor is removed, this traditional radiation therapy directs a beam of radiation at the entire breast. While this combination of surgery and radiation has been proven effective in the fight against breast cancer, it takes up to 7 weeks of treatment and can cause side effects and damage to healthy tissue.

Non-Cancer Breast Treatment

Whenever the words “breast” and “surgery” are mentioned together, many patients automatically think of breast cancer. But there is a wide range of other breast conditions that require surgical treatment. At Advanced Surgical Associates, our surgeons are experienced in both traditional and minimally invasive procedures to treat these conditions, which include: