Our mission is to provide empathetic care for the early diagnosis, treatment, and recovery from breast disease. We consider the emotional and physical needs of both our patients and their families regardless of their ability to pay.

Our Philosophy

It has been an honor for us to participate in the care of all our patients. We have been truly blessed by each and every patient. We actively partner with our patients to provide the highest quality care, with the best patient outcomes in a compassionate fashion.

The Tennessee Breast Center opened in March 1991. We remain at the forefront of breast health care and the following are some of the achievements accomplished by our physician team:

First breast center in East Tennessee to have a woman surgeon (1991)
First multidisciplinary breast center in East Tennessee (1991)
First accredited breast center in Blount County (1992)
Standardization of pathologic reporting (1991)
Database for following breast cancer patients (1991)
Standardization of prognostic indicators (1991 and ongoing)
Involvement in the 1st chemoprevention trial as one of six sites in Tennessee (1992)
Consensus on the treatment of Ductal Carcinoma in-situ (1993)
Criteria for selection for breast conserving surgery (1991 and ongoing)
Downstaging tumors for attempt at breast conservation (1993)
Early adoption of Sentinel Node Biopsies (1997)

What can Tennessee Breast Center offer you, the patient?

• Thorough breast evaluation of each and every year including personalized instruction in breast self examination as part of your prevention program
• Annually updated low-fat, high fiber diet to assist you in maintaining a more healthy lifestyle
• Obtaining breast history; identifying patients at increased risk for developing breast cancer and discussing chemoprevention with those patients at high risk
• Physician examination of every patient presenting with a breast problem in addition to those identified with a problem on screening mammography
• Double reading of the films increasing tumor detection rates by 10-15%
• Once referred to the breast center for evaluation, we make every attempt to gain compliance with annual mammography by our computerized recall system
• Provide state of the art care in an empathetic fashion for anyone diagnosed with breast cancer
• Seamless movement of patients through screening, diagnosis and treatment for benign breast problems or breast cancer
• Provide continued follow-up of breast cancer patients to detect regional or systemic recurrence
  

Convenience

• Located on main roadway
• Free parking and easy access to building, including handicap accessibility
• Warm and friendly environment with helpful staff
• Most breast procedures can be performed in the comfort of our office: e.g. ultrasound, cyst aspirations, needle biopsies, etc.
• We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare
• Our hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  

	Melissa Trekell, M.D., FACS, M.B.A. Medical Director .
	Current Position: General and Breast Surgeon Blount Memorial Hospital Undergraduate Degree: Sterling College Medical School: University of Kansas School of Medicine Residency: University of Kansas School of Medicine/Wichita Post Graduate Degree: Masters of Business Administration University of Tennessee Board Certification: General Surgery

	David Gilliam, M.D. .
	Current Position: Director of Laboratories Pathologist Blount Memorial Hospital Undergraduate Degree: Louisiana State University Medical School: Vanderbilt University Residency: University of North Carolina Fellowship: Surgical and Breast Pathology Vanderbilt University Board Certification: Anatomic, Clinical and Cytopathology

Dean Kleto, M.D. .

Current Position: Plastic Surgeon Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center Parkwest Hospital Blount Memorial Hospital Undergraduate Degree: University of Tennessee, Knoxville Medical School: University of Tennessee Residency: General Surgery Erlanger Hospital Chattanooga, Tennessee Fellowship: Plastic Surgery Duke University Fellowship: Hand Surgery University of Louisville Board Certification: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

	Tom Kubota, M.D. .
	Current Position: Medical Oncologist Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center University of Tennessee Medical Center Blount Memorial Hospital Undergraduate Degree: University of Chicago Medical School: Vanderbilt University Medical Residency: Vanderbilt University Board Certification: Internal Medicine Medical Oncology

	Albert Petty, M.D. .
	Current Position: Director of Radiation Oncology Blount Memorial Hospital Undergraduate Degree: University of South Florida Medical School: University of South Florida Residency: Radiation Oncology Medical College of Wisconsin Board Certification: Radiation Oncology

Our Staff

Front Row (L to R): Erlene Stubbs, M.A.; Terry Bradley, CPC, Business Administrator; Sherry Hicks, Patient Relations Coordinator; Kathy Trombley, R.N.

Back Row (L to R): Betty Baker, R.T.(R)(M); Judy Talley, L.P.N.; Janice Caughorn, Billing Specialist; Donna Hicks, Patient Relations Coordinator; Angela Cunningham, L.P.N.; Deloris Davis, Billing Specialist.

Medical Links

American Cancer Society

Breast Reconstruction

Department of Defense Breast Cancer Treatment Decision Guide

Lymphedema Network

National Cancer Institute Cancer Information

Nonprofit Breast Cancer Information

Women's Information Network Against Breast Cancer

Medical Disclaimer:

All information is intended for general knowledge only. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not be considered a substitute for individual medical advice or medical treatment. The information provided on this site is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your physician. Please consult your healthcare professional for any question or concern you may have. You and the physician of your choice should make all medical decisions. Again, the information contained herein is for general guidance of treatment options that may be relevant to your medical condition. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking medical advice because of something you read here.

Tennessee Breast Center, Inc. is not responsible for the information or materials contained on the Links to the Web referenced on this site. Links are provided for your convenience and further information; and are not intended as an endorsement by our organization.