“My goal is to empower my patient by educating her about her disease and its treatment options. I want her to understand that breast cancer is a very treatable disease. From diagnosis through survivorship, I strive to oversee the patient experience and make it as seamless and reassuring as it can possibly be.”

A board-certified, fellowship-trained breast surgeon—also known as a breast surgical oncologist—Tara Grahovac, M.D., specializes in the diagnosis, staging and removal of cancerous growths in the breast. She also brings expertise in full-service, evidence-based medical treatment and surveillance programs for women with breast cancer and those at high risk for the disease.

Areas of Expertise

• Premenopausal Breast Cancer – Cancer that occurs in women before they have reached menopause.
• High-risk Patient Surveillance – Following patients who are at above-average risk of developing breast cancer based on their personal or family history.
• Oncoplastic Surgery – Breast cancer surgery that combines tumor removal with immediate reconstruction for an optimal cosmetic outcome.
• Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy – A skin-sparing surgical procedure for breast cancer that leaves the nipple and areola in place and allows for a better cosmetic outcome.
• Lumpectomy – Surgery to remove a breast tumor that may be breast cancer.

Background

Before joining MUSC and the medical staff at Beaufort Memorial to create the Breast Care & Surgery Program, Dr. Grahovac had served since 2015 as the first specialty-trained breast surgeon within St. Clair Health, an independent tertiary care center in Pittsburgh. There she had a leadership role expanding their breast oncology services including the implementation of radioactive seed localization, a multidisciplinary clinic and breast cancer conference, an annual survivorship Saturday event, a lymphedema clinic and high risk screening program. All while providing the direct patient that is her passion.

Dr. Grahovac earned her medical degree at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio, and finished her residency in general surgery at Allegheny General Hospital. She then completed a fellowship in breast surgical oncology at the Magee Women’s Hospital, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Both Pittsburgh natives, Dr. Grahovac and her husband, Erik, have two school-age daughters. Spending time with them, and especially time outdoors, she counts among her greatest joys. In addition, she likes to run and “just ride” on the family’s boat.
 

About the Breast Care & Surgery Program

The Beaufort Memorial Breast Care & Surgery Program offers expert, comprehensive breast health services for a full range of diseases, from benign breast conditions to breast cancer. The program is one of several cancer care initiatives between Beaufort Memorial and MUSC Health. Through the affiliation, patients at Beaufort Memorial have access to a local, fellowship-trained breast oncology surgeon, promising clinical trials and subspecialists experienced in treating rare or complex cancers.

Located in Beaufort Memorial’s nationally accredited Breast Health Center in Okatie, the program provides a full complement of screening and diagnostic services, as well as genetics testing and high risk assessment for early identification and surveillance of genetic cancers. Its board-certified surgeon works with a team of clinicians―among them radiation and medical oncologists, breast nurse navigators and social workers―to address both the physical and emotional aspects of breast disease and to ensure optimal outcomes for every patient.