Memorial Breast Surgery Specialists is a physician practice owned and operated by Memorial Health System. Our board-certified breast surgeons perform surgery as treatment for the following conditions:

• breast cancer

• breast disease

Our oncologic surgical procedures include:

• mastectomy

• partial mastectomy

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Breast Surgeons

Ingrid Sharon, M.D.

Dr. Sharon, the most experienced breast surgeon in our community, is known for her surgical skill and compassionate care. More than 90 percent of her operations are breast surgical oncologic procedures ranging from breast conservation, incorporating oncoplastic techniques, to nipple-sparing mastectomies. Ten percent of her surgeries deal with premalignant and benign breast disease.

Dr. Sharon graduated from Oral Roberts University School of Medicine and completed her post-graduate general surgery training at St. Barnabus Medical Center in New Jersey, where she received the Herbert A. Schulte Award of Excellence in Surgery. Prior to working in Colorado Springs, Dr. Sharon helped pioneer a surgical program in Belize and worked as a medical missionary in India, Malaysia, Thailand, Burma and the Philippines.

In 1995, Dr. Sharon was appointed regional director of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. She continues her association with the society today, as a member. In 2008 and 2009, Dr. Sharon received the Patients' Choice Award, which is given only to the top five percent of the nation's doctors. In 2010, the Consumers' Research Council of America named her in their guide to America's Top Surgeons. She is also a participant in the Mastery of Breast Surgery pilot program.

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Melody Paulishak, D.O.

Dr. Paulishak, the first fellowship-trained breast surgeon in southern Colorado, is respected regionally and nationally. She is board-certified in general surgery.

Dr. Paulishak graduated from Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her general surgery residency at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center where she was chief surgery resident. Dr. Paulishak completed a fellowship in breast surgery at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Paulishak is the author of several articles and has presented at numerous national conferences.

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How to Contact Memorial Breast Surgery Specialists

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More About Breast Cancer ...

How Is Surgery Used in Breast Cancer Treatment?

Surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible is the primary treatment for breast cancer. Today, women have many surgical options and choices. The type of surgery performed depends upon:

• the size and location of the breast lump or tumor

• the type and stage of the breast cancer (if the cancer has spread within the breast or has spread outside of the breast to the lymph nodes, or to other parts of the body)

• the size of the breast

• the woman's preference

There are several types of breast surgery. Your physician can explain the benefits and risks of each type, in addition to answering any questions or concerns you may have prior to surgery.

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Questions to Ask Your Physician Before Surgery

• Which type of surgery do you recommend for me? Why?

• Where will the incision be located and how much of the breast tissue will be removed?

• Will any lymph nodes be removed?

• Will I be able to have breast reconstruction if I have a mastectomy?

• Do you recommend breast reconstruction at the same time of the mastectomy surgery or at a later date?

• Will additional treatment such as radiation or chemotherapy be required following surgery?

• What type of follow-up care is needed?

• How long will it be before I resume my normal activities?

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Download Our Breast Cancer eBook

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Related Services

» More about: Breast Care (Mary Lou Beshears Breast Care Center)