The Center for Breast Cancer at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center provides coordinated, state-of-the-art care for patients with benign and malignant diseases of the breast. For patients diagnosed with breast cancer , we offer dedicated care, innovative treatment options, and cutting-edge research. A great deal of progress in the detection and treatment of breast cancer has been made in recent years, and our physicians are on the leading edge of finding even better solutions. Women with a diagnosis of breast cancer are cared for by a multidisciplinary team of physician specialists, including radiologists, breast surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and plastic surgeons. From the tranquility of the building, to our complementary therapy services, to the most sophisticated personalized therapies and equipment available, Yale is committed to tailoring treatment to our patients to ensure they have the best experiences possible during their time in our care. Breast Surgery Although many general surgeons perform breast surgery, dedicated breast surgeons have the experience and knowledge to handle difficult or unusual cases, and are generally more likely to understand the complexities of breast diagnosis and treatment. The surgeons at the Center for Breast Cancer at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center perform breast surgery exclusively, and are nationally known as leaders in their field. Yale surgeons were among the first to perform a lumpectomy instead of a mastectomy, and were instrumental in the development of noninvasive procedures like sentinel lymph node biopsy, intraoperative guidance by ultrasound, and advanced oncoplastic procedures. Our surgeons are experienced in cutting-edge techniques, such as skin-sparing and nipple-sparing mastectomy, and often work hand-in-hand with our plastic surgeons to offer women a variety of options for breast reconstruction. Medical Oncology Many patients with breast cancer also need medical therapy, such as chemotherapy and/or endocrine therapy. Our team of experts utilizes both standard chemotherapies and novel targeted therapies to attack the cancer precisely while minimizing harm to normal tissues. Our medical oncologists are nationally recognized for their contributions to breast cancer research. For example, investigators at Yale helped to elucidate the biology of a cellular receptor called HER2. As a result, our medical oncologists have been successful in developing treatment strategies for HER2-positive breast cancer, and have extended this expertise to provide effective therapies for triple-negative/basal-like and hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. They continue to study new treatments, and patients at Smilow Cancer Hospital have the opportunity to receive such novel therapies through clinical trials, many of which are not available elsewhere in Connecticut. New and complicated patient cases are discussed weekly by the entire team so that

At Yale Medicine, our medical oncology specialists put our patients first. We know that starting cancer treatment as soon as possible is important. That’s why we offer rapid access to appointments and relevant testing, so you can begin your journey to recovery. Your care is personally led by a compassionate physician who works closely with a team of specialists, tailoring your treatment to meet your specific needs. About Us Medical oncology services are available at Smilow Cancer Hospital and at several regional locations across the state of Connecticut. Our physicians specialize in treating many different types of cancer using their expertise to guide your care for the best possible outcome. Throughout your treatment, you will receive personalized support from an intake specialist and a nurse coordinator, who will offer clear communication and comprehensive assistance every step of the way. Understanding that cancer affects more than just your physical health, we extend our support to include your psychological well-being, offering compassion and understanding to help you navigate the emotional challenges of your diagnosis. Click here for more information about our cancer care services.

The Yale Gamma Knife Center is the only stereotactic radiosurgery unit in Connecticut dedicated to treating head and neck conditions. Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a type of focused radiation therapy used to treat certain types of tumors or abnormalities in the brain, its covering, and nerves and blood vessels. It is an effective, noninvasive alternative to brain surgery. Gamma Knife offers similar precision to open surgery with general anesthesia but with fewer risks and discomfort.Gamma Knife radiosurgery requires no incision and is done under local anesthesia.It is a one-day outpatient procedure and rarely requires hospitalization. Most patients return to their normal activities within 24 hours of the procedure. The experts in our Gamma Knife Center have more than 30 years of combined experience in radiosurgery. Our team works together to deliver a strong dose of precisely focused radiation. Gamma Knife can be used for both children and adults who meet the criteria for treatment with this advanced technology. Conditions we treat include: Brain metastases, most commonly from lung cancer, melanoma, breast cancer, colon cancer, renal cell cancer, and gynecological and genitourinary cancers Benign brain tumors such as meningiomas, acoustic neuromas (i.e., vestibular schwannomas), and pituitary adenomas Arteriovenous malformations Trigeminal neuralgia Intraocular melanoma Head and neck cancers, such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma Recurrent malignant primary brain tumors Glomus jugulare tumors Essential tremor (thalamotomy with Gamma Knife)