Ann Leitch, M.D.
Professor
Surgery
Meet Dr. Ann Marilyn Leitch Breast Cancer Surgeon
Holder of the:
- S.T. Harris Family Distinguished Chair in Breast Surgery, in Honor of A. Marilyn Leitch, M.D.
A. Marilyn Leitch, M.D., is a national authority on breast cancer. During her career, she has helped thousands of patients successfully triumph over this disease, and she has been at the forefront of research that has led to groundbreaking advancements and new standards of care for breast cancer.
We are constantly taking steps to give our patients the best outcomes for survival with the least long-term effects from treatment."
Part of her work has led to reducing the long-term side effects of breast cancer surgery. Specifically, Dr. Leitch recently co-authored a practice-changing study regarding lymph node removal during surgery. This has led to less invasive partial node removal, which benefits patients who are planning breast-conserving surgery combined with radiation. Removing just part of the lymph nodes achieves effective outcomes, while allowing for shorter recovery times. It also minimizes the potential of arm swelling (called lymphedema) and reduces the risk of tingling or numbness in the upper arm and other side effects.
Her focus is solely on achieving the best possible outcomes for patients. Whether it’s providing access to the latest advancements in breast cancer treatment or the latest clinical trials, Dr. Leitch’s patients can count on her commitment to outstanding care and a personalized approach to fighting their disease.
Clinical Interests
- Surgical oncology/breast cancer surgery
- Surgery/Oncoplastic surgical techniques
- Minimally invasive breast cancer surgery
- Neoadjuvant therapies for breast cancer
- Invasive breast cancer
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
- Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
- Management of high risk patients (including those with family history of breast cancer, atypical ductal hyperplasia, and LCIS)
- Benign breast disease
- Sentinel node biopsy
- Melanoma and other skin malignancies
- Soft tissue sarcoma
- Limb-sparing surgery
- Breast cancer prevention strategies
- Clinical trials for breast cancer, melanoma, and sarcoma