Pabel Ali Miah, DO, FACS
Breast Surgical Oncologist
Less can be more when it comes to treating breast cancer. Patients of Dr. Pabel Miah at the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at St. Luke’s Health – The Woodlands Hospital are benefiting from state-of-the-science therapies delivered in smaller, more precise doses.
The highly accomplished breast cancer surgeon and assistant professor of surgery at Baylor College of Medicine says the era of extensive surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation has given way to a more targeted approach.
“Not only are we now de-escalating surgery, but we are recruiting patients to participate in clinical trials and finding that we can do the most for you while prescribing less for you,” he explained.
Dr. Miah adheres to the latest guidelines, which recommend less surgery, medication, and radiation to achieve the same outcomes in many instances. “Patients come to us fearful of undergoing extensive procedures, and wind up having less surgery than they anticipated,” Dr. Miah said.
Fellowship-trained at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Dr. Miah stays on top of the latest advances to treat breast cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death among women in Texas. He is one of the few breast surgeons trained in lymphatic surgery to ease the painful arm swelling that some advanced breast cancer patients experience, as well as oncoplastic surgery to minimize distortions to the breast following surgery. “We work very closely with plastic surgeons for more complex cases and to ensure that patients get the cosmetic outcome they desire,” he said.
His research involves collaborating with biomedical engineers at Rice University to effectively localize breast cancer tumors, hoping to further decrease invasive procedures required during treatment.
As familiar as he is with the latest advances in cancer care, one of Dr. Miah’s most trusted tools when talking with patients is an old-school whiteboard.
“I sit down with my patients and draw everything about how their disease works, how it spreads. I explain cure rates and what I think is best for their treatment,” he explained. “It makes my patients feel more informed and empowered. They leave my office feeling better about what they are about to undergo.”
Patients also have the full breast oncology team in The Woodlands backing up Dr. Miah, working in concert with the internationally renowned Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center. The ability to consult with highly trained specialists collaborating in a single center is an enormous benefit to patients who still have the comfort of community in The Woodlands.
“Even with all our groundbreaking research, you’re still receiving personalized care,” Dr. Miah said. “Our patients still feel like we are taking our time and making it our priority to provide care that is unique to their case and that we are partners throughout their treatment.”
