Dallas (Nov. 3, 2026) – Texas Oncology, the nation’s leading cancer care organization, today announced that Texas Breast Specialists, a specialized division and allied group of physicians operating within Texas Oncology, is expanding access to robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy, an innovative surgical option that offers select patients a new approach to breast cancer treatment and preventive breast surgery.
Performed through a small incision hidden beneath the arm, robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy allows surgeons to remove breast tissue while preserving the skin and nipple-areolar complex in appropriately selected patients. The approach may reduce visible scarring and preserve more sensation compared with traditional mastectomy techniques.
"Women deserve access to all available options when making decisions about their breast health," said Lynn D. Canavan, M.D., FACS, medical director of Texas Oncology’s Texas Breast Specialists. "Robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy allows us to offer an additional approach that considers not only cancer treatment and prevention, but also quality-of-life outcomes that matter to patients."
The procedure is providing a new option for women across Texas, from those seeking to reduce their future breast cancer risk to those facing a new cancer diagnosis.
“The decision to undergo a preventative mastectomy was lifechanging, but learning about robotic surgery gave me confidence in my choice. The possibility of preserving sensation, minimizing visible scarring, and maintaining more of what makes me feel like myself was incredibly meaningful,” said Megan Gilbert, Texas Breast Specialist Patient. “As I’m recovering, I feel good in my body and optimistic about my future. I’m grateful this option was available to me and hope that sharing my experience can help other women feel empowered about their own health.”
For Gilbert, 46, a routine mammogram led to an unexpected conversation about her lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. After additional testing and a comprehensive risk assessment with Dr. Canavan, Gilbert learned she faced a significantly elevated risk of developing breast cancer and ultimately chose to undergo a preventive robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy.
Gilbert underwent surgery in September and has been encouraged by her recovery, crediting Dr. Canavan and her care team for helping her move forward with confidence.
Earlier this summer, 35-year-old Melina Chant of New Braunfels discovered a lump during a self-exam despite having no family history of breast cancer. She was subsequently diagnosed with Stage I breast cancer and determined to be a strong candidate for robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy with Aimee Mackey, M.D., FACS, a breast surgeon with Texas Oncology’s Texas Breast Specialists-South Austin.
Chant researched mastectomy options and expected large incisions and a difficult recovery.
"Learning there was an option that used a small incision hidden beneath the arm made me feel confident and comfortable with this decision. Just weeks after surgery, pathology results confirmed I was cancer-free with clear margins," she said. "The biggest thing I want women to know is that breast cancer can happen even when you're young and have no family history. Finding that lump when I did changed everything."
While robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy is not appropriate for every patient, the procedure expands options for women with certain breast cancers and those at elevated risk for developing the disease.
“For many women, decisions about breast surgery extend beyond treating or preventing disease," Dr. Mackey said. "Questions about recovery, appearance, sensation and quality of life matter. Having more options allows us to better personalize care for each patient."
Patients interested in learning whether robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy may be appropriate for them should speak with a physician.
With more than 625 physicians and 300 locations, Texas Oncology is an independent private practice that cares for more than 250,000 unique cancer patients each year. Founded in 1986, Texas Oncology provides comprehensive, multi-disciplinary care, and includes Texas Center for Proton Therapy, Texas Breast Specialists, Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists, Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists, Texas Urology Specialists, and Texas Infusion and Imaging Center. Texas Oncology’s robust community-based research program has over 200 open clinical trials with more than 2,000 patients in active trials annually and has contributed to the development of hundreds of FDA-approved cancer therapies. Learn more at TexasOncology.com.
Texas Oncology
TXOMediaInquiries@usoncology.com
