Melissa Pilewskie, MD, FACS

 Melissa L. Pilewskie
Maud T Lane Research Professor of Breast Oncology
Clinical Professor of Surgery
Ambulatory Care Clinical Chief, Medical School
Email:
[email protected]
Available to mentor
Melissa Pilewskie, MD, FACS
Melissa L. Pilewskie
Clinical Professor
  • About
  • Qualifications
  • Center Memberships
  • Research Overview
  • Recent Publications

  • Manage Your Profile

    • About

    My clinical interest focuses on the surgical care of breast cancer in patients and those with an increased risk for the development of breast cancer including populations with genetic predispositions or a diagnosis of a high-risk breast lesion.

    Qualifications
    • Fellow, Breast Surgery
      Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
      2012 - 2013
      Clinical Fellowship
    • Resident, General Surgery
      Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
      2007 - 2012
      Residency
    • Administrative Chief Resident
      Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
      2011 - 2012
      Chief Resident
    • MD
      Ohio State University Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
      2003 - 2007
    • BS, Biology
      University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
      1998 - 2002

    Center Memberships
    • Center Member
      Rogel Cancer Center

    Research Overview

    My research focuses on two distinct areas impacting the care of our breast cancer patients:
    - Populations at increased breast cancer risk with an interest in novel strategies for risk reduction.
    - Axillary surgery de-escalation to maintain oncologic safety while minimizing surgical morbidity.

    Recent Publications

     See All Publications
    • Journal Article
      ASO Visual Abstract: Margin Assessment in Breast-Conserving Surgery: A Comparative Analysis of Frozen Section and Cavity Shave Techniques.
      Kim E, Chapel E, Walker JC, Evans J, Dossett LA, Hughes TM, Jeruss JS, Sabel MS, Pilewskie ML. Ann Surg Oncol, 2026 Oct 9; DOI:10.1245/s10434-026-20504-8
      PMID: 42855644
    • Presentation
      New in Risk Assessment and Management
      Pilewskie M. 2026 Oct 9;
    • Presentation
      New in Risk Assessment and Management
      Pilewskie M. 2026 Oct 9;
    • Presentation
      Lobular Neoplasia and Breast Cancer Risk Implications
      Pilewskie M. 2026 Oct 9;
    • Presentation
      Right-Sizing Surgery: Considerations for De-escalated Axillary Surgery in Low-Risk Breast Cancer
      Pilewskie M. 2026 Oct 9;
    • Presentation
      Right-Sizing Surgery: Considerations for De-escalated Axillary Surgery in Low-Risk Breast Cancer
      Pilewskie M. 2026 Oct 9;
    • Presentation
      Axillary Management Upfront and After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: What's New?
      Pilewskie M. 2026 Jul 13;
    • Presentation
      Axillary Management Upfront and After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: What's New?
      Pilewskie M. 2026 Jul 13;

    Featured News & Stories

         breast cancer checking graphic image in different pinks
    Health Lab

    How to assess your risk for breast cancer

    Melissa Pilewskie, M.D., answers questions about how you can accurately assess your risk and what lifestyle changes can help reduce the likelihood of developing breast cancer.