History
The Knoxville Comprehensive Breast Center was founded in 1983 by Kamilia F. Kozlowski, M.D. It was the first freestanding breast center of its kind in Tennessee and still remains one of the very few nationwide. Its goal was focused on delivering streamlined, cost-effective quality breast health care in a woman-friendly setting. Dr. Kozlowski developed the specialty of clinical breast radiology being directly involved in the care of a woman's diagnostic breast imaging workup. Her goal was to change the fragmented and inefficient delivery of breast health care. Traditionally, a woman would visit multiple specialists and sometimes get conflicting opinions to determine if there is a potential breast problem. In contrast, the clinical breast radiologist can synthesize the information from her clinical and imaging findings, perform the workup in a single setting, and accurately discuss with the woman whether there is a concern for breast cancer prior to her leaving the office.
If a tissue diagnosis is needed, the diagnosis is made in the office with specialized, painless needle procedures. Most results are readily available within 24 to 48 hours.
In 1997, the Knoxville Breast Center became the Knoxville Comprehensive Breast Center. The same woman-centered, woman-friendly, efficient medical care for the diagnostic part of breast health care was broadened to the treatment phase. Dr. George Webber, a dedicated breast surgeon, who devotes 100 percent of his time to breast surgery, was added to the staff. He is the first surgeon in Knoxville to regularly perform such cutting-edge techniques as sentinel lymph node biopsy and ductoscopy. Our center is one of the very few breast centers in the country that provides an oncology suite for only breast cancer patients. A radiation oncologist, plastic and reconstructive surgeon, and a breast pathologist are an integral part of the multidisciplinary team.
Physicians and the high-risk assessment health care coordinator discuss patient care at a weekly multidisciplinary meeting. They discuss pathology and treatment planning issues which are unique for every woman. Women are also able to participate in clinical trials to further our knowledge about breast cancer.
In addition, we have a high-risk assessment clinic at the center, which is a valuable service to patients. A woman's family history, pedigree, and sophisticated computer models are evaluated to determine the risk of future breast cancer development. Testing for the known breast cancer genes is also available. Measures to reduce risk are discussed with women participating in this special service.
Vision and Mission
Safety, Comfort & Good Health
At the Knoxville Comprehensive Breast Center, we are committed to providing individualized, innovative, state-of-the-art breast health care to women. Clinical breast radiologists direct the screening and diagnostic breast imaging. The radiologists and their team of breast health nurses are closely involved in the diagnostic breast exam of each woman. Each woman is kept informed of the results during each step of her workup. If treatment intervention may be needed, our multidisciplinary team of doctors is an integral part of the woman's care. Our team is composed of a dedicated breast surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, clinical breast radiologist, and a plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Our high-risk breast assessment clinic is also an essential part of our innovative care.