Hidden Scar Breast Surgery

The Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center (ECCC) at Cabell Huntington Hospital is the only hospital in the Tri-State to be recognized as a Center of Excellence for Hidden Scar™ Breast Cancer Surgery. Only 26 hospitals in the United States hold this designation.

This certification enables the ECCC to offer advanced surgical procedures and less invasive alternatives to traditional mastectomy and lumpectomy.

“Hidden Scar™ Breast Cancer Surgery is an innovative surgical procedure that allows removal of cancer in the breast and hides scars without compromising clinical results,” said Mary Legenza, MD, board certified breast cancer surgeon at the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center and the only

Dr. Mary Legenza consults with a patient about hidden scar breast surgery.

certified Hidden Scar Breast Surgeon in the state of West Virginia.

During a Hidden Scar™ mastectomy or lumpectomy, the physician uses the natural crease beneath the breast to make an incision and preserve the breast skin and nipple-areolar. Reconstructive surgery is used to fill in the void and the woman’s natural skin is replaced.

According to Legenza, the procedure preserves a natural-looking breast by sparing the nipple, areola and surrounding tissue.

“Using Hidden Scar™ Breast Cancer Surgery eases the emotional impact that takes place after surgery. There is little to no visible reminder of the surgery,” she said. “It helps women maintain confidence in their appearance as they’re not as easily reminded of the disease that once invaded their bodies.”

Hidden Scar™ Breast Cancer Surgery uses an incision hidden in one of three places:

• the natural crease beneath the breast
• along the areola border
• the armpit

Dr. Legenza and breast surgeon Jack Traylor, MD, work closely with the surgeons of Marshall Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery to perform what’s called oncoplastic surgery, which combines advanced breast surgical oncology with the latest plastic surgery techniques to fill the void created where the tumor was removed, leaving the patient with a more natural shape and contour of the breast.

“In both instances, the goal is to remove the cancerous cells and provide a woman with self-confidence when she looks in the mirror,” Legenza said.

Candidates for Hidden Scar Breast Cancer Surgery depend on the tumor size and location and breast shape and size and also may be appropriate for a broad range of breast cancer patients undergoing nipple sparing mastectomy or lumpectomy (breast conserving surgery) procedures.