OSF Cancer Institute now offers minimally invasive nipple-sparing mastectomy

People now have access to a new, minimally invasive procedure called endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy. These procedures are performed at OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute in Peoria, by fellowship-trained breast surgeons Jamin Addae, MD, and Emily Albright, MD.

Nipple-sparing mastectomy removes breast tissue while preserving the nipple, areola and most of the breast skin. For those selected, the approach can provide effective cancer treatment while supporting a more natural appearance following breast reconstruction.

People may be candidates for the procedure when breast cancer does not involve the nipple or surrounding skin, as well as those considering preventive surgery because of an increased genetic or family risk of breast cancer. Each person’s eligibility is determined based on factors including imaging, pathology and overall health.

This procedure is an innovative approach that can be performed through a single, small incision typically along the side of the chest where the scar may be less visible.

“We are proud to offer this innovative surgical option at our institution and are committed to expanding access to advanced surgical techniques that may provide appropriate patients with additional treatment options. This technique may offer benefits such as less postoperative discomfort and improved scar appearance, while maintaining the principles of oncologic breast surgery,” Dr. Addae says. “Similar minimally invasive approaches have become increasingly established in other surgical specialties, including abdominal and thoracic surgery, and minimally invasive techniques in breast surgery are likely to become increasingly popular and widely adopted in the nearest future.”

Nipple-sparing mastectomy is performed as part of a coordinated breast cancer care plan, with patients having access to breast surgery, reconstruction consultation and other cancer specialists through OSF Cancer Institute.

For more information about breast cancer care at OSF HealthCare, visit the OSF website.