Gilbert, Ariz. – Julie Billar, MD, and Stephanie Byrum, MD, two surgeons at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center located in Gilbert, Ariz. are helping to change the way patients recover after surgery for breast cancer. Both doctors are now recognized as Hidden Scar Trained surgeons to perform Hidden Scar™ Breast Cancer Surgery, an advanced approach to breast cancer surgery that may be able to hide some scars, and potentially minimize the daily emotional reminder of their diagnosis. In addition, the Banner Gateway Medical Center and Banner MD Anderson medical campus has been named a Hidden Scar Center in the breast cancer surgery approach. 

According to the American Cancer Society, about one in eight U.S. women (or 12 percent) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime, with many unaware of all the surgical options available. 

“Our patients come to Banner MD Anderson because we have advanced and innovative surgical options for patients, like using this newer technique,” said Dr. Byrum. “Our surgical and radiation oncology teams work together to provide our patients with excellent patient care and do what we can to ease their emotional pain during the diagnosis and treatment.” 

Hidden Scar™ Breast Cancer Surgery helps Dr. Billar and Dr. Byrum 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. 

“The advancement of surgical technology has allowed us to be able to tuck a scar away while helping a patient heal from the emotional trauma of their diagnosis,” said Dr. Billar. “Although this approach is not available to all breast cancer surgery patients, many of our patients treated with this method feel more comfortable in their own skin and have a gained self-confidence because they do not have a large scar visible.” 

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. This procedure is possible with Invuity’s Intelligent Photonics™ technology which improves visibility during procedures such as lumpectomy and nipple sparing mastectomy – enabling the doctors to perform complex with better visualization. 

To make an appointment with a cancer specialist at Banner MD Anderson, call 480-256-6444.

Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, located on the Banner Gateway campus, delivers cancer care to patients in Arizona through the collaboration of Banner Health and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Banner MD Anderson offers focused disease-specific expertise in the medical, radiation and surgical management of the cancer patient; an evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach to patient care; access to clinical trials and new investigative therapies; state-of-the-art technology for the diagnosis, staging and treatment of all types of cancer; oncology expertise in supportive care services.