Breast Surgeon in Chattanooga, TN

USA surgeons are the region’s most experienced breast care providers. As a trusted breast surgeon in Chattanooga, TN, University Surgical Associates offers experienced surgical care for patients facing breast concerns and cancer diagnoses.

Whether you have just received news of an abnormal mammogram or have been told you have breast cancer and need surgery, you can trust University Surgical Associates for prompt and compassionate care. Our fellowship-trained surgical oncology team provides personalized treatment plans and same-day appointments to address your concerns about cost, insurance coverage, and what to expect during your journey.

What Does a Breast Cancer Surgeon Do?

A breast cancer surgeon is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating benign and cancerous breast conditions through surgery. Depending on the diagnosis and treatment plan, a breast cancer surgeon may perform breast biopsies, lumpectomies, mastectomies, and procedures involving nearby lymph nodes.

At University Surgical Associates, our breast cancer surgeons work closely with other local specialists to help patients understand their diagnosis, review surgical options, and coordinate the next steps in their treatment. Our team includes experienced breast surgeons with specialized training in breast surgery and surgical oncology.

Find a Breast Specialist Near You

Our breast cancer surgeons specialize in surgical procedures to diagnose and treat cancer, annually performing a high volume of procedures including:

  • 1,000 breast biopsies (including MRI-guided biopsy and outpatient procedures with local anesthesia or general anesthesia options)
  • 350+ mastectomies and lumpectomies (featuring advanced oncoplastic surgery, nipple-sparing and skin-sparing techniques, with immediate reconstruction or delayed reconstruction available)

If you are searching for a breast specialist near me, our breast surgeons respect your peace of mind and understand that breast problems can produce considerable amounts of anxiety, so we schedule patients with appointments as soon as possible. Our multidisciplinary team includes nurse navigators who provide patient education about pain management, aftercare, side effects, scarring, and lymphedema risk.

Choosing a Breast Cancer Surgeon

Our breast cancer surgeons are happy to review your medical history, discuss your needs and surgery options, and coordinate care and therapy with other local breast cancer specialists including oncologists, radiologists, and genetic counselors who assess hereditary risk through BRCA testing.

Breast Cancer Doctor FAQs

Using the latest minimally invasive and state-of-the-art technology, our fellowship-trained breast surgeons in Chattanooga, TN use stereotactic and ultrasound guidance to conduct breast biopsies. We also offer 3D mammography and advanced breast imaging services to detect and screen for abnormalities. A sample of breast tissue will be removed and sent to a lab for analysis. Pathologists examine tissue samples to stage the cancer and determine the best treatment approach. If abnormal or cancerous cells are present, surgery will usually be recommended. We encourage patients seeking a second opinion to consult with our dedicated team, and we provide comprehensive information about success rates, survival rates, and patient reviews to support your decision-making.

There are two main types of breast cancer surgery: mastectomy and lumpectomy. The key difference is that lumpectomy surgery just removes the cancer from the breast while a mastectomy is an entire breast removal surgery. Our comprehensive surgical oncology program offers advanced techniques with minimal scarring, and our financial counseling team helps patients understand insurance coverage and cost considerations. Depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend one of the following:

  • Lumpectomy – tumor and part of the surrounding healthy tissue are surgically removed from the breast. This procedure often includes sentinel node biopsy to evaluate lymph node involvement.
  • Total Mastectomy – also known as a simple mastectomy, the entire breast is surgically removed to treat cancer.
  • Bilateral Mastectomy – also known as a double mastectomy, both breasts are surgically removed to treat cancer.
  • Radical Mastectomy – in addition to the entire breast, the chest wall muscles and lymph nodes from under the arm are removed as well. This may involve axillary dissection for comprehensive lymph node removal.
  • Modified Radical Mastectomy – the entire breast and some underarm lymph nodes are surgically removed. Our surgeons excise and resect tissue with precision to optimize outcomes.
  • Prophylactic Mastectomy – a preventative surgery where one or both breasts are removed to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Genetic counseling is available to help patients understand their hereditary risk and make informed decisions about preventive care.

If your surgeon gives you the choice between treating your breast cancer with a mastectomy or lumpectomy, it’s important to understand the differences. Our team empowers patients through education about quality of life, fertility preservation options, family involvement in care decisions, and preparation instructions for each procedure type.

Mastectomy Advantages & Disadvantages

Some women find more peace of mind about their cancer returning with mastectomies, as the whole breast is removed. However, mastectomy surgery is a more extensive procedure with longer recovery time, and additional surgeries are often needed to reconstruct the breast after surgery. Reconstruction options include implant reconstruction, flap reconstruction, and tissue expander techniques. Plastic surgeons perform reconstruction either immediately following mastectomy or as a delayed procedure based on your treatment plan and preferences.

Lumpectomy Advantages & Disadvantages

With lumpectomy surgery, recovery time is shorter and much of the breast appearance and sensation is preserved. On the downside, several weeks of radiation therapy is encouraged after surgery to ensure the cancer has been removed completely. Oncologists develop treatment plans that may include chemotherapy in addition to radiation. This may interfere with the timing of your breast reconstruction post-surgery. You may need additional surgeries if the pathology lab finds cancerous cells in the healthy-looking tissue surrounding the tumor. There is also a slightly higher risk of cancer returning, in which case your surgeon would usually recommend a mastectomy. We monitor patients closely during survivorship and provide access to support groups to address quality of life concerns and survivor perspectives on recovery.

With nine different locations in the Chattanooga, TN area, University Surgical Associates provides access to many experienced and leading surgeons who specialize in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment — including both male and female breast surgeons near you. Our accredited facilities offer convenient parking available, online scheduling, telemedicine available for consultations, and evening hours to accommodate your schedule and reduce wait time.

Looking for a Breast Surgeon Near Me? Discover Why Our Community Trusts USA

Serving the local area since 1976, University Surgical Associates is pleased to be a top choice for breast cancer surgery in Chattanooga. If you are searching for a breast surgeon near me, our Commission on Cancer accredited and National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers recognized practice operates as an academic medical center with teaching hospital affiliations, where our renowned surgeons participate in research and clinical trials. We maintain exceptional patient satisfaction scores and outcomes data, demonstrating our commitment to innovative and comprehensive care.

Our team offers a variety of clinical and support services for our breast patients, addressing cultural considerations in care and age-specific concerns while considering family caregiver concerns and employer perspectives on time off for treatment. Contact our team today to schedule an appointment with a breast surgeon.

USA Breast Services Providers

R. Phillip Burns, MD, FACS

W. Todd Cockerham, MD, FACS

Stephen H. Greer, MD

Dr Huggins

John C. Huggins, MD, FACS

Breast Surgeon Dr. Beth Snell of University Surgical Associates

Beth Snell, MD, FACS

Request an Appointment with a Breast Cancer Surgeon

Ask your provider for a referral to University Surgical Associates (USA), and then call (423) 267-0466 or use the form below to request an appointment.

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16 Specialty Services From Over
30 Skilled Surgeons

Today our network extends to more than 6 cities in the region. Search our network of surgeons and nurse practitioners by specialty or location.

16 Specialty Services From Over
30 Skilled Surgeons

Today our network extends to more than 6 cities in the region. Search our network of surgeons and nurse practitioners by specialty or location.