Meet M. Katherine Hughes, M.D.

The area's only fellowship-trained breast surgeon

Surgical breast oncologist M. Katherine Hughes, M.D., is a fellowship-trained surgeon specializing in the treatment of breast cancer.

She is dedicated to providing the highest quality, as well as compassionate care, to each patient, leveraging expertise in minimally invasive techniques, surgical breast conservation and complex reconstruction.

Along with the team of breast health specialists at King’s Daughters, she treats all types of breast disease with new and emerging surgical therapies, including localized partial mastectomy; nipple-sparing techniques; oncoplastics; and hidden incisions.

Dr. Hughes approaches each patient and plan as a collaboration, with the patient playing an integral part in decision-making to ensure her needs and goals are met throughout treatment. “While curing a patient’s cancer is always the most important outcome, I believe in treating the whole patient and not just the cancer,” she said. “I strive to help each patient to lead full and healthy lives after a cancer diagnosis – that diagnosis should not define a woman’s life.”

Dr. Hughes earned her medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Florida and completed surgical residency at Loma Linda University Health in California. She completed her breast surgical oncology fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

In addition to being board certified by the American Board of Surgery, Dr. Hughes is also a member of the American College of Surgeons, Society of Surgical Oncology, American Society of Breast Surgeons, and the American Medical Association.

NEW PATIENTS ARE WELCOME

Dr. Hughes sees patients at KDMS Breast Health Specialists in Ashland and at King’s Daughters Medical Center Ohio in Portsmouth. Most patients are seen by physician referral. Insurance plans vary, please check with your carrier. New patients and second opinion consultations are welcome. For more information, please call (606) 325-2221 or (740) 353-8100.

Breast Reconstruction

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King's Daughters plastics/reconstructive surgeons Phillip Lackey, M.D., and W. Bryan Rogers III, M.D., provide breast reconstructive services in conjunction with Dr. Hughes. Surgeries are performed in both Ashland, Ky., and Portsmouth, Ohio.

Many breast cancer survivors — and, increasingly, women who have undergone preventive mastectomy — are seeking reconstructive breast surgery to restore breast size, shape and appearance.

What Is Breast Reconstruction?

During breast reconstruction, the plastic surgeon rebuilds the breast(s) to duplicate the size and shape prior to mastectomy. Women may choose to have breast reconstruction at the same time as mastectomy or wait for a period of time following treatment. The decision is based upon a number of factors, but most important is what kind or type of follow-up treatment, if any, she will receive after surgery.

Women undergoing radiation therapy following surgery may opt to delay reconstruction to avoid radiation exposure of the new tissue, potential scarring and post-surgical complications. For women who will not receive radiation treatment, immediate reconstruction offers the benefit of one less surgery.

Types of Breast Reconstruction

Plastic surgeons can perform several types of breast reconstruction surgery. Options include a newly shaped breast with the use of a breast implant, your own tissue flap, or a combination of the two. A tissue flap is a section of your own skin, fat and muscle that is moved from your stomach, back or other area of your body to the chest area.

The implant most commonly used in conjunction with breast reconstruction is the saline-filled implant. These implants have an external silicone shell and are filled with salt water. Silicone gel-filled implants are another option for breast reconstruction. No matter which implant you and your surgeon decide on, it will be placed between layers of chest muscle, under breast skin that will be saved during the mastectomy.

Some women can have the implant placed immediately, namely those with relaxed muscle tone and stretchy skin, which may allow the cancer surgeon to do a skin- and tissue-sparing mastectomy. Women with tight chest skin and muscles, however, may need an expandable implant or a tissue expander, which is followed by a permanent implant in a two-stage operation.

Recovery from breast reconstruction varies depending on which procedure was performed, but typically lasts between 4 and 6 weeks.

More Information

Plastic and reconstructive surgeons W. Bryan Rogers III, M.D., and Peter Andolina, D.O., have extensive experience in breast reconstruction following mastectomy and are available to consult with women about their options. New patients are welcome. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (606) 408-7500.