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Dr. Eun-Sil Shelley Hwang, MD, MPH

Accepting New Patients
Specializes in: Surgical Oncology (Cancer Surgery)
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), David Geffen School of Medicine
Professional interests include: nipple-sparing mastectomy, skin issues, mastectomy (breast removal surgery), and more.
120 E Carver Street
Durham, NC 27704

Dr. Eun-Sil Shelley Hwang, MD, MPH is a surgical oncologist in Durham, NC specializing in surgical oncology (cancer surgery). She graduated from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), David Geffen School of Medicine. Dr. Eun-Sil Shelley Hwang, MD, MPH is affiliated with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Duke Health, DUKE HEALTH INTEGRATED PRACTICE INC and PRIVATE DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC PLLC.

View Doctor's Full Profile (919) 470-1000

Office Locations

Address:

120 E Carver Street
Durham, NC 27704

Address:

20 Duke Medicine Circle
Durham, NC 27710

Address:

2301 Erwin Road
Durham, NC 27710

Address:

508 Fulton Street Durham Vamc (558)
Durham, NC 27705

Some issues Dr. Eun-Sil Shelley Hwang, MD, MPH can help you with:

Mastectomy (Breast Removal Surgery)

Mastectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the breasts, most frequently associated with breast cancer treatment (for both male and female breast cancer patients). Breast cancer patients who receive a mastectomy typically have undergone other treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation, and less invasive breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy). If these treatments are unsuccessful, oncologists may eventually prescribe a mastectomy. Other conditions that may prompt a mastectomy include:

  • Two or more cancerous regions in the same breast
  • Inability to receive chemotherapy or radiation therapy
  • High likelihood of recurring breast cancer
  • Large tumor that is bigger than two inches across
  • Pregnancy that prohibits radiation therapy
  • Preexisting conditions like lupus or scleroderma

Notably, some patients may elect to undergo mastectomy without a breast cancer diagnosis. Preventative (prophylactic) mastectomy is performed on those with a high risk of breast cancer, such as having a family history of the disease or carrying the breast cancer BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Preventative mastectomy substantially reduces one's chances of developing breast cancer in the future, but it cannot wholly prevent it.

Surgical oncologists perform several types of mastectomies, depending upon the severity of the breast cancer (including factors such as its location and spread), as well as the patients' own aesthetic and personal choices. The six main types of mastectomy include:

  • Total mastectomy, where the surgical oncologist removes an entire breast, including parts like the pectoral chest muscle, skin, and nipple.
  • Radical mastectomy, where the surgical oncologist removes the entire breast, underarm lymph nodes, pectoral chest muscles, and outer skin and nipple. One of the most invasive forms of mastectomy, radical mastectomy is infrequently performed.
  • Modified radical mastectomy, where the surgical oncologist completes a total mastectomy and also removes the underarm lymph nodes. This procedure is slightly less invasive than radical mastectomy.
  • Skin-sparing mastectomy, where the surgical oncologist removes cancerous breast tissue and nipple, but leaves most of breast skin. This method is used in conjunction with breast reconstruction, as implants can be added below the skin. Skin-sparing mastectomy often requires a treatment team with a surgical oncologist and a plastic surgeon experienced in breast procedures.
  • Nipple-sparing mastectomy, where the surgical oncologist removes cancerous breast tissue and leaves the nipple and most of the breast skin. This method is only available to patients in the early stages of breast cancer. Similar to skin-sparing mastectomy, this procedure is frequently performed with breast reconstruction.

Any of these procedures can be done on both breasts, in which case the procedure would be known as a double mastectomy. For example, a surgical oncologist might perform a total or nipple-sparing mastectomy on both breasts. Double mastectomies are often used as a preventive surgery for those who are at risk of developing breast cancer later on in life.

Patients have one or two days of hospital stay before returning home from their mastectomy procedures. Full recovery can take several months, but some patients find they are able to resume normal activity within one month of their mastectomy. Patients are advised to limit arm and chest movements whenever possible.

After surgery, patients must also adjust to changes in their appearance. While some patients choose to receive breast reconstruction, other patients may decide to wear prosthetic breasts or will simply embrace their new chest.

Mastectomies permit patients to conquer cancer and lead healthy, thriving lives as breast cancer survivors.

Skin Issues

The skin is the largest organ in the body, protecting and covering the more sensitive inner organs. Considering its size and that it is constantly exposed to the elements, the skin is usually relatively problem-free. However that doesn't mean that issues don't come up from time to time that might need the help of a professional. The most common skin issues that people seek medical help with are cosmetic issues, acne, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and skin growths.

Professional cosmetic skin treatments exist to treat wrinkles, scars, dark spots, remove excess hair, tone and tighten skin, and otherwise improve the appearance of the skin. They may use lasers, light therapy, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or many other forms of skin treatment.

Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, most commonly on the face or back. The clogged follicles can then become infected and inflamed. Treatments include antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and retinoid creams.

Eczema is dry, sensitive skin that causes an itchy red rash, often in response to specific triggers. It is common in childhood but can sometimes last into adulthood. The main treatment involves keeping skin well moisturized.

Dermatitis is the medical name for any kind of skin inflammation or rash. Rashes can happen because of an allergy or contact with an irritating substance. They may be red, itchy, or even painful. They are often treated with antihistamines or moisturizing creams containing cortisone.

Psoriasis is patches of thick, red skin that is covered in silvery scales. It is often itchy and sore. Psoriasis is thought to be caused by an immune disorder, and it runs in families. Psoriasis is not contagious. There is no cure, but there are medicated creams available to treat the symptoms.

Skin growths, including warts and moles, are usually not serious. However, some skin growths should be examined by a doctor to make sure they don't cause problems in the future. Warts are harmless, rough, bumpy growths caused by a viral infection. They occur most often on the hands and feet. Because they are caused by a virus, they are contagious. Moles are brown or black spots that are sometimes raised slightly from the surface of the skin. They happen when clumps of pigment cells form in a cluster instead of spread out. Moles are harmless except that they are more vulnerable to cancer than other parts of the skin. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and its risk increases with sun exposure and fair skin tone.

Skin issues can be embarrassing or irritating, but most are minor and can be treated without serious problems. Some, however, can be a sign of a more significant issue, so it is important to see a doctor for anything out of the ordinary.

In The News 

“"This study again underscores the fact that women are making this decision out of anxiety rather than medical necessity," said Dr. E. Shelley Hwang, the chief of breast surgery at Duke Cancer...”—"More Women With Breast Cancer Opt to Remove Healthy Breast (Published 2017)", New York Times, March 2017
“In addition, more research is needed to determine whether other uses for breast MRI, such as to help plan breast cancer treatment, are beneficial to woman, Dr. E. Shelley Hwang, of Duke University...”—"Breast MRIs not always used appropriately, studies suggest", Fox News, March 2015
“Many women think "they may do better the more surgery they do," said study researcher Dr. E. Shelley Hwang, chief of breast surgery at Duke Cancer Institute.”—"For breast cancer patients, less invasive surgery may be better than full mastectomies", Fox News, March 2015

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Eun-Sil Shelley Hwang, MD, MPH for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Eun-Sil Shelley Hwang, MD, MPH treated as a surgical oncologist in Durham, NC were excision, breast procedures, cancer surgery and lymph node procedures.

breast procedures 40
cancer surgery 40
diagnostic procedures 21
doctor visit 97
excision 59
lymph node procedures 29
open surgery 21

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Eun-Sil Shelley Hwang, MD, MPH.

Gender
Female 58
Male 0
Ethnicity
Black / African American 1
Asian / Pacific Islander
Non-Hispanic White 65
Native American / Alaskan Native
Hispanic
Other
Age
85 and over
75 to 84 17
Less than 65
65 to 74 51

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Eun-Sil Shelley Hwang, MD, MPH From 2013 - 2021

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Eun-Sil Shelley Hwang, MD, MPH treated were cancer, hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes.

Hypertension 48
High Cholesterol 38
Stroke
Ischemic Heart Disease 14
Depression 15
Chronic Kidney Disease 13
Asthma 3
Osteoporosis 7
Heart Failure 2
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Diabetes 19
Atrial Fibrillation 4
Dementia
Cancer 60

Education & Training

Dr. Eun-Sil Shelley Hwang, MD, MPH graduated from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), David Geffen School of Medicine. She completed residency at Weill Cornell Medical College Affiliated Hospitals. She has a state license in California.

Medical School: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), David Geffen School of Medicine

Residency: Weill Cornell Medical College Affiliated Hospitals

Licensed In: California

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Eun-Sil Shelley Hwang, MD, MPH is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Duke Health
DUKE HEALTH INTEGRATED PRACTICE INC
PRIVATE DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC PLLC

Insurance Information

Please note: Insurance information may change at any time, and the provider may accept your insurance plan even if it is not listed below. Please contact the provider's office to confirm that your insurance is accepted.

Dr. Eun-Sil Shelley Hwang, MD, MPH appears to accept the following insurance providers: MedCost, Aetna Traditional Choice, Blue Advantage, Aetna Medicare PPO, BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina, CIGNA Open Access Plus, WellCare, AmeriHealth, Medicare Part B, Medicare Advantage, AARP, CIGNA Open Access, United Healthcare PPO, Aetna, Aetna Workers' Compensation, TRICARE Prime, United Healthcare, TRICARE Prime Remote, Aetna Open Choice PPO, Medicare, Medicaid, Humana, Cigna, TRICARE, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Aetna Managed Choice POS, Gateway Health Alliance, Aetna HMO, Duke Group Plans, *Duke HomeCare and Hospice does not participate in the plan., Blue Options (123, PPO, HSA), *Duke HomeCare and Hospice and mental health providers do not participate with the plan., Duke Basic, Ambetter, Experience Health, Blue Select, Blue Medicare (HMO, PPO)*, Healthy Blue, All Savers Fully Insured, First Medicare Direct, Carolina Complete Health, Healthgram, All Savers Alternate Funding, Duke Select, NC State Employees Health Plan, Ambetter of North Carolina and United Medical Resources (UMR).

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. Eun-Sil Shelley Hwang, MD, MPH accepts the following insurance providers:

MedCost
Aetna Traditional Choice
Blue Advantage
Aetna Medicare PPO
BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina
CIGNA Open Access Plus
WellCare
AmeriHealth
Medicare Part B
Medicare Advantage
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Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Eun-Sil Shelley Hwang, MD, MPH has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.93 out of 5 stars based on 134 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Eun-Sil Shelley Hwang, MD, MPH from all over the web to help you find the right in Durham, NC. 

4.93
Overall Rating
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General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Eun-Sil Shelley Hwang, MD, MPH. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

Payments by Company
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corporation $6,500
$6,500
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP $3,250
$3,250
AstraZeneca UK Limited $2,148
$2,148
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC $2,135
$2,135
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. $2,025 Da Vinci Surgical System
$2,025
Other $685 DUAVEE
$535 		PriMatrix
$114
$36
Types of Payments
Consulting Fee $14,033
Travel and Lodging $2,283
Food and Beverage $351
Compensation for services other than consulting, including serving as faculty or as a speaker at a venue other than a continuing education program $40
Entertainment $36

Research Payments

Dr. Eun-Sil Shelley Hwang, MD, MPH has received 1 research payments totaling $20,000.

Biography

Dr. Eun-Sil Hwang is a surgical oncology (cancer surgery) specialist in Durham, NC. She has a 5.0 out of 5 star average patient rating. Areas of expertise for Dr. Hwang include skin issues, nipple-sparing mastectomy, and breast-conserving surgery. She can take Blue California, CIGNA Plans, TRICARE, and more. She studied medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), David Geffen School of Medicine. For her professional training, Dr. Hwang completed residency programs at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center and a hospital affiliated with Weill Cornell Medical College. She is conversant in Korean. She is affiliated with Duke Health and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. According to Duke Health, new patients are welcome to contact her office in Durham, NC.

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