Dr. Alexander Swistel is Chief of Breast Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical Center and Director of the Weill Cornell Breast Center. Dr. Swistel is a prominent breast surgeon who pioneered many of the newest advances in breast cancer treatment. He was among the first physicians in New York to perform a sentinel lymph node biopsy, in which tracer compounds pinpoint the precise lymph node, eliminating the need to surgically remove 20-30 lymph nodes. This procedure is now part of the standard treatment for breast cancer patients.
Dr. Swistel is also one of the pioneers of oncoplastic surgery, in which a lumpectomy is combined with reduction cosmetic surgery for large-breasted women. He is establishing a specialized center of oncoplastic surgery, which utilizes state-of-the-art techniques for tumor removal along with reconstructive options provided by a specialized team of surgeons.
He also developed a procedure called skin-sparing mastectomy, where a small incision is made around the nipple instead of across the entire breast.When combined with immediate reconstruction, this procedure provides significantly improved cosmetic results, with no decrease in survival.
Dr. Swistel's nationally-recognized expertise and outstanding reputation in the field is reflected in his being named one of the Top Cancer Doctors in the country by Castle Connolly in 2007; Top Doctors in the Tri-state area by New York Magazine, 2007; and selected for inclusion in Best Doctors in America in 2007.
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