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Comprehensive Breast Cancer Surgery in Boise & Nampa
A breast cancer diagnosis requires a highly coordinated, precise approach to treatment. As a fellowship-trained Surgical Oncologist, Dr. Stockton provides definitive surgical interventions for breast cancer while prioritizing comprehensive, multidisciplinary care at Saint Alphonsus.The Surgical Oncology Advantage
Effective breast cancer treatment is rarely a solitary endeavor. Dr. Stockton works in seamless coordination with a patient’s broader care team, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and plastic surgeons. Whether a patient’s pathology dictates proceeding with surgery immediately (upfront surgery) or requires coordination after a course of pre-surgical tumor-shrinking treatment (neoadjuvant chemotherapy), Dr. Stockton ensures the surgical plan is seamlessly integrated into the overall treatment strategy.Direct Surgical Interventions
Dr. Stockton offers a full spectrum of surgical treatments for breast cancer, tailoring the procedure to the specific pathology, stage of the disease, and the patient’s individual anatomical and reconstructive goals. Breast-Conserving Surgery- Lumpectomy: The targeted removal of the breast cancer tumor along with a calculated margin of normal, healthy tissue. This approach successfully treats the cancer while preserving the natural appearance and sensation of the breast to the greatest extent possible. It is typically followed by radiation therapy.
- Traditional Mastectomy: Complete removal of the breast tissue, skin, and nipple-areolar complex.
- Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: Removal of the underlying breast tissue while preserving the majority of the skin envelope, creating an optimal foundation for breast reconstruction.
- Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: An advanced procedure that removes the breast tissue while safely preserving the patient’s natural skin and nipple-areolar complex. This is carefully coordinated with a plastic surgeon to achieve the highest possible cosmetic outcome.
- Prophylactic (Preventative) Mastectomy: For patients with a high-risk genetic profile, such as a BRCA mutation, the proactive removal of breast tissue to significantly reduce the future risk of developing breast cancer.
- Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB): A minimally invasive procedure utilizing advanced mapping to identify and remove the first few lymph nodes to which a tumor is most likely to drain. Because the sequence of checking into the Pre-Op department and Nuclear Medicine is specific to Saint Alphonsus protocols, Dr. Stockton’s team provides a customized day-of-surgery itinerary for every patient.
- Targeted Axillary Dissection (TAD): A highly precise, surgical approach often utilized for patients who receive chemotherapy prior to surgery. If a lymph node was previously known to contain cancer, a tiny clip or marker is placed in that node before systemic treatment begins. During surgery, Dr. Stockton selectively removes the marked node and the sentinel nodes, allowing for an accurate assessment of chemotherapy response while often sparing the patient from a full lymph node dissection.
- Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: If cancer is found in the sentinel nodes, or if nodes are clinically positive prior to surgery, a more comprehensive removal of the lymph nodes in the axilla is performed to achieve regional control of the disease.
Reconstructive Collaboration
Surgical oncology and restorative aesthetics go hand-in-hand. Dr. Stockton partners extensively with highly skilled plastic and reconstructive surgeons to provide comprehensive restorative options tailored to each patient’s unique treatment plan. When clinically appropriate, Dr. Stockton coordinates the surgical timeline so that cancer removal and the initial phases of breast reconstruction occur seamlessly during the same operation. However, immediate reconstruction is not always a viable or recommended option. Depending on the anticipated need for post-mastectomy radiation therapy, immediate reconstruction may not be advised. In these instances, Dr. Stockton works directly with the plastic surgery team to coordinate delayed reconstruction, ensuring cancer eradication remains the absolute priority while providing a clear roadmap for long-term reconstructive goals.The Patient Experience with Dr. Stockton
Dr. Stockton’s practice is designed to provide patients with clarity, expertise, and focused attention:- Clear Surgical Plans: Consultations involve a detailed review of pathology and imaging. Patients leave with a definitive, straightforward understanding of their surgical options and the anatomical goals of the procedure.
- Dedicated Focus: To ensure patients receive undivided attention, Dr. Stockton operates on a highly structured weekly schedule, dedicating days strictly to clinical consultations and other times exclusively to the operating room.
- Continuous Support: From the initial consultation through post-operative wound care and the final review of surgical margins, Dr. Stockton and the surgical team are directly involved in monitoring recovery.
- Long-Term Surveillance: Breast cancer care extends far beyond the operating room. Dr. Stockton continues to see patients well after their surgical recovery is complete, providing ongoing, expert monitoring through routine physical examinations and the direct review of follow-up imaging.
Consultations & Referrals
Whether you are a patient seeking specialized breast cancer surgeons or a provider referring a complex oncology case, our team ensures a seamless scheduling process. Contact our Boise or Nampa clinics at (208) 302-2300 to schedule a surgical consultation with Dr. Stockton.