Lehigh Valley Health Network is offering an advancement in breast cancer surgery that is an artful blend of plastic surgery and cancer removal.

The procedure - called oncoplasty - allowed Yrene Bodenstein of Lower Macungie Township to avoid a mastectomy when she was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer at age 40.

With oncoplasty, the surgical oncologist (cancer specialist) and plastic surgeon work together as they consider the extent of cancer surgery needed, the patient’s breast size and shape, and potential reconstruction techniques so the breasts will match. 

The advancement reduces down time and emotional turmoil for patients while boosting their confidence, according to LVHN.

More information is available in this LVHN article.