A Modern Approach to Breast Cancer Surgery
Combining Life-Saving Breast Surgery with Beautiful, Personalized Reconstruction
Meet Dr. Ellie Kraft
(Breast Surgical Oncologist Oncoplastic Surgeon)
Dr. Ellie Kraft is a fellowship-trained breast and oncoplastic surgeon who completed the nation’s only oncoplastic surgery fellowship at the Hoag/University of Southern California Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship in Los Angeles, California from world-renowned surgeon, Dr. Melvin Silverstein (the father of oncoplastic surgery) in 2021.
Our Featured Services
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Breast Cancer Surgery
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Benign Breast Surgery
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Prophylactic Surgery
What is oncoplastic surgery and why should a patient want it?
Early History of Breast Cancer Treatment
Breast cancer treatments have evolved significantly over the centuries. In the late 1800s, William Halsted developed the radical mastectomy, removing the entire breast, underlying muscles, and lymph nodes. Though it extended survival, this aggressive surgery caused significant physical and emotional trauma.
Shift to Less Radical Surgery
By the mid-20th century, research began to show that less extensive surgery could be just as effective. This shift led to the development of breast-conserving surgeries that preserved healthy tissue while still treating the cancer.
The Emergence of Lumpectomy and Radiation (1970s-1980s)
In the 1970s, lumpectomy (removal of the tumor with a small margin) paired with radiation therapy emerged as an effective alternative to mastectomy. Landmark studies, like the NSABP B-06 trial in the 1980s, confirmed that lumpectomy with radiation was equally effective in many cases of early-stage breast cancer, becoming the standard of care for eligible patients.
Oncoplastic Surgery (1990s-Present)
In the 1990s, oncoplastic surgery combined cancer surgery with reconstructive techniques to preserve the breast’s appearance. The goal is to remove cancer while maintaining breast shape and symmetry. Pioneered by Dr. Melvin Silverstein, these techniques have revolutionized breast cancer surgery by offering superior cosmetic results without compromising cancer treatment. He has trained 65+ oncoplastic surgeons in the United States and that training remains one of the highest accolades in the world of breast cancer surgery.
Current Landscape
Today, breast cancer treatment is highly personalized. While mastectomy remains necessary for some cases, lumpectomy with radiation is the standard for many early-stage cancers. Oncoplastic surgery enhances cosmetic outcomes and improves patients' quality of life, making breast conservation an appealing option for many women. Dr. Kraft is one of 65+ Silverstein-trained oncoplastic surgeons in the country and remains dedicated to advocating for her patient’s best interests.
Featured Reviews