Dr. Dwight De Risi, M.D., FACS?

Dr. Dwight De Risi, M.D., FACS

Surgical Oncologist | Surgical Oncology

1010 Northern Blvd Great Neck NY, 11021 Show map

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About

Dr. Dwight De Risi is a surgical oncologist practicing in Great Neck, NY. Dr. De Risi specializes in diagnosing, staging and treating cancer-related symptoms. Surgical oncologists also decide if the patient is a candidate for surgery or other cancer treatments based on certain factors such as age, physical fitness and other possible coexisting medical conditions

Education and Training

Georgetown Univ Sch of Med, Washington Dc 1973

Mechanical Engineering 1973

Provider Details

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Dr. Dwight De Risi, M.D., FACS

Dr. Dwight De Risi, M.D., FACS's Expert Contributions

My Answers

What conditions does surgical oncology diagnose?
Thank you for your question A Surgical Oncologist is a physician who has gone beyond the routine five year general surgical training program and now concentrates on understanding the biology and behavior of malignancies. This advanced fellowship program is usually two years where one learns about all tumor types and how to care for them from diagnosis to surgery to follow up recommendations including systemic therapy and radiation. I took my fellowship at Roswell Park in Buffalo and became proficient in Head and Neck, Soft Tissue tumors, Gastrointestinal malignancies, skin cancer, and of course breast cancer which is my specialty. There are other specialists who are expert in the fields of gynecology and urology. Best of luck READ MORE
When should I have a benign tumor removed?
The axilla (armpit) is a very interesting anatomical part of the body. It contains many structures from skin, hair follicles, nerves, blood vessels, and lymph nodes to name a few. Any one of these structures can create a tumor. When I decide if a tumor is benign or not, I take several factors into consideration. If there is any doubt, I always do a needle biopsy to decide if the tumor needs to be removed. Usually tumors that are small and benign do not always have to be removed. We never wait for something to become malignant before we take it out. Benign tumors should be surgically considered if they continue to grow or cause symptoms like pain or become chronically infected or if they are cosmetically unsightly. If you have any concerns regarding your doctor's recommendations, go for another opinion. Thanks for your question. Best of luck!!! READ MORE
How long is the recovery from a mastectomy?
Depends on your pain threshold. I send all my patients home after mastectomy in one and at most two days without reconstruction or with implant reconstruction. -Single-sided or bilateral -Flap reconstruction is usually three days before discharge -There will be drains needed to be emptied that remain @ 2 sometimes 3 weeks -The healing time for all surgery is about six weeks -You will probably feel better many days before that -The most common complaint I get is the sensation loss -Your surgeon will have a timeline for you as to when you can return to normal activity -I tell my patients @ 4 weeks let your body talk to you -If you try to do something and it hurts a lot, back off a bit -Use your better judgment -If your not allergic, Extra strength Tylenol is great 2 pills every 6 hrs Best off luck!!! READ MORE
Do benign tumors require to be removed?
My rule is simple but requires each benign tumor a thoughtful approach. If a new tumor has been identified on a physical exam, mammogram, sonogram or breast MRI it is imperative we know what the pathology is If it’s a new finding in a young person and less than 2 cm, having benign characteristics: -Homogeneous -Smooth margins -Wider than taller -No acoustic shadowing -To name a few -It can be followed with a repeat study in 3 to 4 months -If it enlarges or changes its characteristics, have a specialist do a needle biopsy -If benign with no premalignant findings, it can be followed without surgical intervention -If on follow up it continues to enlarge, remove the tumor -If the tumor is greater than 2 cm no matter what the age or how it looks, I would recommend an excisional biopsy following a needle biopsy -There are tumors that look benign and are not -This is why a needle biopsy is my preferred initial approach to all breast tumors -This way there are minimal surprises at the time of surgery when indicated Best of luck !!! READ MORE
What is the best treatment for breast cancer?
Your question is a good one. Although simple, the answer is quite complex. Each modality of treatment you mention works differently and should not be interchanged with each other. Surgery and radiation therapy are local treatments while chemotherapy, immunotherapy and anti-estrogen treatments are systemic. Before initiating therapy, each patient’s tumor type should be detailed and understood as with this information a protocol will be set up sequencing each treatment needed. Surgery today is usual conservative, preserving the breast contour. Lymph nodes are usually sampled to stage the cancer if it is invasive. Chemotherapy if needed is very well tolerated. Each patient can request a cold cap to minimize hair loss. Radiation is usually associated with fatigue, but well-tolerated if needed. Having a good support team and a positive attitude makes the difference. Thanks for the question. Best of luck!!! READ MORE
How long does a breast biopsy take?
Depending on the type you are having and who is going it. Generally the procedure should be done within a half hour. READ MORE
What are the treatment options for bladder cancer?
The first evaluation I recommend is to see your gynecologist. Let them evaluate you and send you for appropriate testing mammogram and sonogram and needle biopsy if indicated. Most breast tumors are benign, however, you need to get this checked by your doctor now. Best of luck!!! READ MORE
Is it better to have open or closed biopsy?
I am adamant about the first breast biopsy being closed IE. A needle biopsy to find out what the abnormality is. Many of these findings do not require surgery. Best of luck!!! READ MORE
Surgical oncologist for a third opinion?
If the opinions are differing I would say yes. Treating breast cancer systemically is not a black and white issue. READ MORE
Can benign tumors come back?
If they are completely removed no. Could you get another of the same type in the same breast? Yes/ READ MORE
How should I prepare for my lumpectomy?
Hopefully the lump has been needle biopsied before it is removed to help the surgeon plan the correct surgery. Stop smoking for two weeks prior. Stop potential bleeding products 4 days before and after making sure you check with your medical doctor. Wash the breast the day before with an antibacterial soap that you are not allergic to. Usually the pain post op is tolerable and can be controlled with extra strength Tylenol. Best of luck!!! READ MORE
How long is the recovery for breast reconstruction surgery?
Usually one month, sometimes a bit longer. The healing and pain element is lessened once the drains are removed. With implant expanders the process is longer. Best of luck!!! READ MORE

Expert Publications

Data provided by the National Library of Medicine

Treatment options and recurrence potential for cystosarcoma phyllodes.

Treatments

Gynecomastia
Breast Cancer
Lymphoma
Pain
Cellulitis
Lipoma

Dr. Dwight De Risi, M.D., FACS's Practice location

1010 Northern Blvd -
Great Neck, NY 11021

Get Direction

New patients: 516-487-8888

Fax: 516-487-8887, 516-829-1761

Mon:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tue:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wed:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thu:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Fri:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sat:Closed
Sun:Closed

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Get to know Surgical Oncologist Dr. Dwight De Risi, who serves patients in Great Neck, New York.

Dr. De Risi is Long Island’s leading surgical oncologist specializing in diseases of the breast. He has been in private practice for 39 years, 7 of which were as the Chief of the Breast Service at ProHEALTH Care Associates before joining New York Breast Health in Great Neck, New York.

New York Breast Health was created to provide exceptional care to both women and men with diseases of the breast. The practice offers cutting-edge, quality breast care, as well as supportive services, including well breast care, surgical and medical oncology consultation, breast cancer prevention planning, educational services, genetic testing, nutritional guidance, and psychosocial support services.

Through his years in private practice, Dr. De Risi has remained a leader in his field by introducing and popularizing cutting-edge surgical and diagnostic techniques. Some of these have included mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, partial mastectomy with oncologic plastic reconstruction, lumpectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy, skin and nipple sparing mastectomy, ductal lavage, MRI of the breasts, accelerated breast brachytherapy, the HALO procedure for evaluation of nipple duct fluid, cryoablation of tumors and recently Savi Scout breast tumor localization to help locate and remove non palpable breast tumors.

With the efforts of his loyal patients, the doctor has created a not-for-profit support group, Lean On Me Breast Cancer Network Inc. Since its inception, more than seventy volunteers have helped guide and comfort, one-on-one, several thousand newly diagnosed breast cancer patients through their journey from diagnosis and treatment, to wellness. In addition, the volunteers assist patients receiving chemotherapy with fittings for free wigs and mastectomy patients with free bras. Free education seminars and wellness retreats are available to attend for all newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.

In regards to his educational background, Dr. De Risi attended Seton Hall University, and graduated with his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine, and completed his four-year surgical residency, one-year chief-ship training and fellowship in pathology at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York. In addition, he completed a fellowship in surgical oncology at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York, the first institute in the United States to receive accreditation by the Society of Surgical Oncology.

Thereafter, he became board-certified in general surgery by the American Board of Surgery, an independent, non-profit organization located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded for the purpose of certifying surgeons who have met a defined standard of education, training, and knowledge.

In order to stay up to date in his field, he remains a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of many prestigious organizations, including the American Medical Association, the Society of Surgical Oncology, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the American Society of Breast Disease. He has also been recognized and honored for his accomplishments by several organizations, including the Sass Foundation for Medical Research, the Beth C. Tortolani Breast Cancer Foundation, the New York College for Holistic Health, Education & Research, Glen Cove CARES, the Lean On Me Breast Cancer Network Inc., the Nassau Organization for Women, the North Shore University Hospital at Glen Cove and David Award, Man of the Year.

Throughout his career, Dr. De Risi has been presented with several awards, including the Gay Stoddard Award from the Susan G. Komen of Greater New York, the National Congressional Committee Leadership Award, and the Honorary Co-Chairman President’s Advisory Board Award. Most recently, he was honored by the American Cancer Society as an outstanding community leader in his field of expertise.

Surgical oncology is the branch of surgery applied to oncology. It focuses on the surgical management of tumors, especially cancerous tumors. A surgical oncologist removes the tumor and nearby tissue during surgery. He or she also performs certain types of biopsies to help diagnose cancer.

On a more personal note, Dr. De Risi attributes his continued success to his colleagues, patients and the love, understanding, and support from his wife, Donna, and his four children, Darren, Drew, Dara, and Deirdre. The greatest joy in his life is his family. He is a proud grandfather. His goal is “to help rid the world of this dreaded disease called breast cancer,” which he believes will be a reality in the not so distant future.