Willow Creek Women’s Hospital now offers “hidden scar” breast cancer surgery
12/5/2019
JOHNSON, ARK (December, 2019) – At Willow Creek Women’s Hospital (WCWH), women diagnosed with breast cancer can now access a new type of breast cancer surgery that is performed in such a way as to hide the scar.
“We are thrilled to be expanding options for women in Northwest Arkansas with a procedure that effectively treats the cancer and optimizes the cosmetic results,” said Juli McWhorter, chief administrative officer of Willow Creek Women’s Hospital. “Many women are unaware of all the surgical options available, including minimally invasive approaches that minimize the visual reminders that may impact the emotional healing process. This new surgical technique enables highly trained surgeons to remove the cancerous tissue through a single incision made in an inconspicuous area, preserving the natural shape of the breast while reducing visible scarring.”
Dr. Joseph Kelamis and Dr. Christopher Menendez, both independent members of the hospital’s medical staff, have been trained in the new advanced approach to breast cancer surgery that hides scars, minimizing the daily visible reminder of a breast cancer diagnosis.
In 2019, an estimated 316,700 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.1 Patients undergoing breast cancer surgery using this new approach experience optimal clinical and cosmetic outcomes, and are at no higher risk of recurrence than patients who undergo any other surgical technique.2
“New surgical techniques are made possible through advancements in technology, especially through devices used to better visualize the surgical field,” said Dr. Menendez, who is a board-certified surgeon specializing in breast surgical oncology. “We are proud to offer our patients advanced oncologic surgery using smaller cosmetic incisions.”
"One in eight women will be affected by breast cancer in their lifetime,” said Dr. Kelamis, who is a board-certified plastic surgeon. “For many women, a scar can impact their overall well-being as a reminder of breast cancer, but with the hidden scar surgery, they now have options for what that post-recovery journey will look like."
Performing breast cancer surgery through a smaller incision requires consistent illumination throughout the surgical cavity, so surgeons can clearly see and effectively remove the tumor. WCWH invested in new technology to improve visibility for surgeons performing the new procedure as well as for lumpectomies and nipple-sparing mastectomies. This enables the surgeons to perform complex, in-demand surgeries with greater confidence, and give more women access to transformative options.
- For information about the Willow Creek Women’s Hospital’s breast cancer program, visit: www.NorthwestHealth.com/breast-care
- For referral to a physician or more information, call (800) 734-2024.
About Willow Creek Women’s Hospital
Willow Creek Women's Hospital, accredited by The Joint Commission as a part of Northwest Medical Center, is a 64-bed full-service facility dedicated solely to women's health needs. For new mothers, Willow Creek offers everything from obstetrics to a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, a 24/7 OB Emergency Department and maternal-fetal medicine for high-risk pregnancies. The hospital was first in the state of Arkansas to earn prestigious international recognition as a Baby-Friendly-designated birth facility. Willow Creek's Breast Imaging Center was the first to bring 3D mammography technology to Northwest Arkansas, providing detection of breast tumors and abnormalities at the earliest possible stages. For women diagnosed with breast cancer, the hospital has been first in the state to offer advanced options like a non-radioactive wire-free localization system for use during breast conservation surgeries. WCWH is an affiliate of Northwest Health, the largest health system in Northwest Arkansas, and through that affiliation is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, a select group of independent health systems that work closely with Mayo Clinic to improve the delivery of health care. WCWH is located at 4301 Greathouse Springs Road in Johnson.
1. American Cancer Society. Breast Cancer Facts and Figures 2019-2020, https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/breast-cancer-facts-and-figures/breast-cancer-facts-and-figures-2019-2020.pdf
2. Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy for Breast Cancer and Risk Reduction: Oncologic or Technical Problem? Sacchini, V., et. al., American College of Surgeons. 2006. doi:10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2006.07.015
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