Advancements in Breast Cancer Surgery

We are dedicated to providing our patients with the most advanced options in breast cancer surgery. SSM Health in St. Louis is proud to be the first in the state of Missouri to offer three advanced breast care options.

Hidden ScarⓇ Breast Cancer Surgery

Breast surgeons at many SSM Health locations are trained in Hidden Scar techniques for mastectomy and partial mastectomy. During a hidden scar procedure, your surgeon places the incision in a location that is hard to see, so scars are less visible after you heal. As a result, there is little to no visible reminder of the surgery or cancer. Want to know more? Visit our Hidden Scar page and request a consultation.

Magnetic Markers

Prior to breast cancer surgery, a hooked guidewire is placed in a woman’s breast to guide the surgeon to the location of the cancer. Often done the day prior to surgery, the wire sticks out from the breast and is both awkward and uncomfortable. In addition, any movement of the wire can result in the removal of extra breast tissue. Our providers now have the ability to use magnetic markers, eliminating the need for the wire. The magnetic marker, which is about the size of a grain of rice, can be placed any time before surgery, simplifying the preparation for surgery and supporting better outcomes for our patients.

Non-radioactive Tracers

During breast cancer surgery, your doctor will biopsy underarm lymph nodes to check for the presence of cancer cells. Traditionally, surgeons would inject a radioactive tracer into the breast prior to surgery to identify lymph nodes needing removal, a procedure that is both painful and stressful for the patient. Now, SSM Health surgeons have the option to use a non-radioactive, magnetic tracer. This procedure is performed while the patient is under anesthesia, making a difficult experience a little easier.