About Breast Cancer Care at UPMC

At UPMC, breast cancer treatment begins with a focus on you. We offer a multidisciplinary approach, comprehensive treatment options, and a range of supportive services tailored to your condition, preferences, and needs. 

Our world-class team of surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists, as well as our supportive care providers, specializes in delivering personalized care for all types and stages of breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Services at UPMC

We offer:

• Breast cancer clinical trials.
• Breast imaging services.
• Breast reconstruction after breast cancer treatment.
• Medical oncology treatment for breast cancer.
• Radiation therapy treatment for breast cancer.
• Supportive services for breast cancer.
• Surgical treatment for breast cancer.

Our Breast Cancer Team

Our breast cancer team works together to provide you with complete breast cancer care.

Your team might include:

• Behavioral medicine providers.
• Breast medical oncologists.
• Breast surgical oncologists.
• Breast radiation oncologists.
• Breast radiologists.
• Nutritionists.
• Pain management and palliative care experts.
• Pathologists.

Breast Cancer Treatment Options

Our doctors diagnose and treat all types and stages of breast cancer.

Depending on your condition and needs, treatment options may include:

Surgical procedures for breast cancer

Surgery is a common treatment for breast cancer and other noncancerous (benign) breast tumors. At UPMC, our dedicated breast surgeons use highly specialized technology and minimally invasive techniques to remove all types of breast tumors. Surgical procedures include:

• Axillary lymph node dissection.
• Excisional breast biopsy.
• Image-guided breast biopsy.
• Lumpectomy.
• Mastectomy.
• Needle localization.
• Radioactive seed localization.
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Medical oncology treatment for breast cancer

Medical oncology for breast cancer involves using different types of anti-cancer medications to slow or stop breast cancer growth. Medical oncology treatments may include:

• Chemotherapy
• Hormone therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy

Radiation oncology treatment for breast cancer

Radiation oncology is a medical specialty that uses radiation therapy to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy for breast cancer involves using high-energy x-rays to precisely target your tumor. Treatment options include:

• Accelerated partial breast irradiation.
• Balloon breast brachytherapy.
• External beam radiation, including image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).
• Hypofractionated (short-course) breast radiation.

Why Choose UPMC for Breast Cancer Care?

When you choose UPMC for breast cancer care, you will receive:

• Comprehensive breast cancer expertise — The breast cancer experts at UPMC provide state-of-the-art care for every form of breast cancer at every stage of the disease.
• Personalized, collaborative care — Our surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists work together to plan the best course of therapy for you.
• Supportive services tailored to your needs — Our approach to breast cancer care honors your preferences by blending advanced clinical methods with supportive services for the best possible results.