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Home > Patients and Visitors > Specialties and Services > Breast and Endocrine Surgery

​Overview

The majority of our patients have benign breast disease. Breast imaging like mammogram and ultrasound are frequently used as an adjunct in the diagnosis although occasionally a biopsy is also needed to confirm the diagnosis. Biopsy is often performed percutaneously and rarely is open surgery needed. We also offer minimally invasive procedures like mammotomy which removes small lesions in the breast with minimal scars.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer remains the most important goal of the service. It has been shown that breast cancer often starts from a pre-invasive stage which has an excellent prognosis if treated adequately. Mammographic screening remains the only scientifically proven method of reducing breast cancer mortality by detecting cancers at an earlier stage. We are one of three centres designated as an assessment centre as part of the BreastScreen Singapore program. We have been involved in BreastScreen Singapore since 2002.

Our philosophy is that of a multidisciplinary approach towards the treatment of breast cancer. This ensures that patients benefit from the expertise of all the various specialities. The team includes Breast Surgeons, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, Medical Oncologists, Radiation Oncologists, Radiologists, Pathologists, Breast Nurse Clinicans and Physiotherapists.

Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment of breast cancer. Breast cancer surgery has evolved from radical surgery of the past to conservative surgery that we now offer in our service. Suitable patients are offered breast conservative surgery where only the tumour is removed. Oncoplastic surgical techniques are employed to shape the breast to minimise breast asymmetry. A lesser procedure called sentinel lymph node biopsy has also been introduced where most of the underarm lymph glands are spared from removal if it is not necessary. Patients requiring radical surgery will be offered immediate breast reconstruction. Finally we have the expertise to perform skin cover for large tumours and even chest wall reconstruction should this be required.

Download Breast and Endocrine Surgery Service Brochure

 

 


​Surgeons with special interest in endocrine surgery will help to evaluate patients with endocrine problems. As not all endocrine conditions need surgery, we work closely with the Department of Endocrinology to provide a full range of treatment options for patients.

Surgery for thyroid diseases is the most common procedure performed by our team. We are able to offer newer methods of thyroid surgery to certain suitable patients including minimal access surgery and endoscopic thyroidectomy. We also perform parathyroid surgery for patients with overactive parathyroid glands resulting in elevated blood calcium levels. Following pre-operative localisation scans, we can perform minimal invasive parathyroid surgery that leaves only a small scar in the neck.


Benign

  • Core biopsy
  • Image guided core biopsy (mammographic, ultrasound and MRI)
  • Excision Biopsy including hookwire localisation for non-palpable lumps
  • Mammotomy
  • Microdochectomy and total duct excision
  • Excision of mammillary fistula
  • Excision of accessory breast
  • Subcutaneous mastectomy for gynaecomastia

Cancer Surgery

  • Lumpectomy with or without oncoplastic techniques
  • Mastectomy
  • Axillary procedures including Sentinel lymph node biopsy and axillary clearance
  • Internal mammary lymph node excision
  • Immediate breast reconstruction including autologous and prosthetic reconstruction
  • Chest wall reconstruction following radical excision


















List of Related Clinics

The Breast Clinic
Contact information
Operating hours
Mondays to Fridays:
8.30 am to 5.30 pm 
 
Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays:
Closed
2023/10/26

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2024/11/19
2024/09/02
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