Treatment & Support

About Breast Cancer

A breast cancer diagnosis is a personal journey, and it’s one you don’t have to take alone. At its most basic, breast cancer is a condition where cells in the breast grow abnormally, but the disease is as unique as you are.

You may be worried about your treatment options or wondering about the road ahead. We’re here to answer your questions and help you feel confident about what comes next. Our Siteman experts are leaders in breast cancer care, committed to creating a precise, personalized plan just for you. With an entire team working on your behalf, you can face your diagnosis with strength and a clear path forward.

Why Choose Siteman

A breast cancer diagnosis is personal, and so is our approach to your care. At Siteman, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all treatment plan. Instead, our team of world-class experts is committed to creating a precise, personalized plan just for you.

Breast Cancer Specialists Meet Our Team of Experts test

Unmatched Expertise for Your Care

As the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Missouri, our Washington University Physicians are at the forefront of breast cancer care. They treat over a thousand new patients each year, giving them a depth of experience unmatched in the St. Louis region.

Your journey is supported by an entire team of experts, including skilled surgeons, radiation oncologists, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, and genetic counselors. This collaborative approach ensures you receive comprehensive care, from initial diagnosis to survivorship.

Image: This is an optional caption. John Smith, MD, PhD and Johnathan Doe, MD, PhD, stand together in an office discussing treatment options. They are looking at a light box, which displays x-ray images.

Surgery & Cryoblation

Surgery is a common treatment for breast cancer, especially in early stages. Sometimes, a newer, less-invasive procedure called cryoablation is a good alternative.

  • Breast Cancer Surgeries

    • Lumpectomy: If the tumor is small, surgeons can remove the cancer while preserving much of the breast tissue. This is also called breast-conserving surgery.

    • Mastectomy: For larger tumors, or by patient choice, surgeons may remove the entire breast.

    • Reconstruction: Siteman surgeons use innovative techniques to safely remove the cancer while preparing the breast for reconstruction, if desired.

  • Cryoablation: This cutting-edge procedure freezes and kills cancer cells using a small probe guided by ultrasound. Unlike surgery, it doesn’t require a large incision, and patients stay awake with only local numbing medication. Cryoablation may be an option for patients who are not eligible for or choose not to have surgery.

Access to Leading-Edge Treatments and Clinical Trials

From advanced surgical techniques that preserve breast tissue to innovative immunotherapy and precision radiation, you will have access to the full spectrum of the latest treatments. As the leading cancer center in the region, Siteman also offers more clinical trials than any other facility, providing opportunities for groundbreaking new therapies that aren’t yet available elsewhere.

Breast Cancer Treatments Find Clinical Trials