Edward Copeland, MD, FACS
Board-Certified General Surgeon
- Board status
- General Surgery, American Board of Surgery
- Clinic locations
- Jackson · Flowood
Conditions and procedures
What breast surgery includes
What is breast surgery?
You may have noticed a lump in your breast, or your provider may have found a change during an exam or on imaging. It is natural to be worried, but most breast lumps are not cancer.
Many lumps come from harmless, benign changes in the breast, and hormones play a role in those changes. Sometimes a lump is cancerous. When it is, finding it and beginning treatment early gives the best chance for a healthy future. That is why evaluation matters.
Each procedure below is one our surgeons perform. Whether any of them is right for you is a decision you make with your surgeon.
Breast Biopsy
A small sample of breast tissue is removed so it can be examined. A biopsy is how a lump or an imaging finding is identified, and it is often the step that confirms a change is benign.
Mastectomy
Surgical removal of breast tissue. It is one of several approaches to treating breast cancer, and whether it is appropriate depends on your diagnosis and your care team's recommendation.
Common reasons patients are referred
- A lump you or your provider can feel
- An abnormal finding on a mammogram or other breast imaging
- A biopsy result that needs surgical follow-up
- A new breast change your primary care provider wants evaluated
When professional evaluation may be appropriate
- You feel a new lump or thickening in a breast or underarm
- You notice skin dimpling, redness, or a change in the shape of a breast
- You have nipple discharge or a change in the nipple
- Your imaging or biopsy results recommend surgical evaluation
If your symptoms feel urgent
Severe or sudden pain, a high fever, bleeding that will not stop, chest pain, or trouble breathing needs immediate attention. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room rather than waiting for an appointment or using a website form.
About this information
The information on this website is general education about conditions our surgeons treat. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation, and it cannot tell you whether you need surgery. Please speak with your physician about your own care.
Your care team
Surgeons providing breast surgery
Open a profile to read about each surgeon's training, experience, and clinic locations.
Erin R. Cummins, MD, FACS
Board-Certified General Surgeon
- Board status
- General Surgery, American Board of Surgery
- Clinic locations
- Jackson · Yazoo City
Logan D. Fair, MD
Board-Certified General Surgeon
- Board status
- General Surgery, American Board of Surgery
- Clinic locations
- Jackson · Vicksburg
Gina E. Heath, MD, FACS
Board-Certified General Surgeon
- Board status
- General Surgery, American Board of Surgery
- Clinic locations
- Jackson · Carthage
Drew Mallette, MD, FACS
Board-Certified General Surgeon
- Board status
- General Surgery, American Board of Surgery
- Clinic locations
- Jackson
Nathan Maples, MD
Board-Certified General Surgeon
- Board status
- General Surgery, American Board of Surgery
- Clinic locations
- Jackson
Jason G. Murphy, MD, FACS
Board-Certified General Surgeon
- Board status
- General Surgery, American Board of Surgery
- Clinic locations
- Jackson
Sara B. Parker, MD
Board-Eligible General Surgeon
- Board status
- Board eligible with the American Board of Surgery
- Clinic locations
- Jackson
James R. Rooks, MD, FACS
Board-Certified General Surgeon
- Board status
- General Surgery, American Board of Surgery
- Clinic locations
- Jackson · Forest
Have questions about this service?
Our staff can explain what a consultation involves, whether a referral is needed, and which location is most convenient for you.