Salome Masghati, MD, in Baltimore: Surgical Oncology and Breast Surgery
Salome Masghati, MD, is a surgical oncologist and breast surgeon operating in Baltimore who specializes in cancer surgery, with particular expertise in breast malignancy, melanoma, and soft-tissue sarcoma. She practices within the University of Maryland Medical Center system, one of Baltimore's major tertiary care institutions, and sees both new and established patients for surgical evaluation and treatment planning in a practice integrated with the hospital's oncology department.
What the practice actually is
Dr. Masghati's practice sits within surgical oncology, a specialty focused on cancer treatment through surgical removal of tumors and affected tissue. Unlike general surgeons who handle appendicitis, gallbladder disease, and acute abdominal conditions, surgical oncologists work exclusively with malignant disease and typically work as part of a multidisciplinary tumor board that includes medical oncologists (chemotherapy), radiation oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists. Her credentials include completion of a general surgery residency followed by a formal fellowship in surgical oncology, a two-year postdoctoral program required to hold that specialty designation. She holds Maryland state licensure and board certification in general surgery and surgical oncology through the American Board of Surgery.
Services and treatment scope
Dr. Masghati's services center on surgical management of three main tumor types: breast cancer (lumpectomy, mastectomy, reconstruction consultation), cutaneous melanoma (wide local excision, sentinel lymph node biopsy, regional lymph node dissection), and soft-tissue sarcoma (extremity and trunk tumors). Surgical oncology fees vary widely by procedure complexity and insurance coverage; a sentinel lymph node biopsy performed alongside breast cancer surgery is usually bundled into the operative fee, while a regional lymph node dissection or complex sarcoma resection with reconstruction may require separate evaluation. Specific pricing depends on insurance plan deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, so initial consultation should clarify coverage details before scheduling surgery. Most insurance plans, including Maryland Medicaid and the major commercial carriers (Anthem, CareFirst), are accepted through the University of Maryland system, though verification is necessary before the first visit.
How this compares to other Baltimore surgical oncology options
Baltimore's surgical oncology landscape is anchored by four major teaching hospitals: University of Maryland Medical Center (where Dr. Masghati operates), Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions (multiple surgical oncology surgeons across its cancer center), Medstar Maryland Medical Center, and University of Baltimore Medical Center (UM Baltimore). University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins both maintain formal fellowship training programs in surgical oncology, meaning both have high caseload volumes and surgeon expertise concentrated in cancer-specific techniques. Johns Hopkins is nationally ranked by U.S. News and has higher name recognition for cancer research; University of Maryland is a state-designated cancer center and serves a higher proportion of uninsured and underinsured Baltimore residents. Dr. Masghati's advantage at University of Maryland is integrated multidisciplinary tumor boards and established pathways to medical oncology and radiation oncology services on the same campus, reducing coordination friction for patients who need adjuvant (follow-up) treatment.
Who this practice suits and who it does not
This practice suits patients with biopsy-confirmed or strongly suspected breast cancer, melanoma, or soft-tissue sarcoma who are seeking surgical evaluation within an academic hospital setting with on-site oncology infrastructure. It is also appropriate for complex cases where a second surgical opinion is needed before proceeding with a surgeon already selected. This practice is not appropriate for patients seeking general surgery care (hernias, gallbladder disease, appendicitis) or for patients with early-stage, purely dermatologic concerns that do not require surgical oncology consultation. Patients without a pathology diagnosis should expect referral to diagnostic imaging or biopsy first; Dr. Masghati's practice does not perform diagnostic biopsies but receives patients after diagnosis is established.
What the first visit involves
Initial consultation includes a 30 to 60-minute appointment during which Dr. Masghati reviews the patient's pathology report, imaging scans, and medical history. Patients should bring all available slides, pathology reports, and imaging studies (CT, MRI, ultrasound) from the diagnosing institution. She will perform a targeted physical examination of the affected area and regional lymph nodes, discuss the tumor stage and grade, review surgical options with associated risks and benefits, and outline a timeline for surgery if the patient elects to proceed. If additional imaging or testing is needed, those are ordered at that visit. Reconstruction consultation with plastic surgery is scheduled separately if mastectomy is recommended.
Hours, location, and logistics
Dr. Masghati's clinic is located at University of Maryland Medical Center, 22 South Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. Clinic hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with appointments available within two to four weeks for new patients (verification recommended by calling 410-328-2408). The medical center operates a paid parking garage adjacent to the main building with standard hospital rates; street parking is limited. Patients using the Purple Line light rail can exit at the University of Maryland Station, two blocks south of the hospital entrance.
Dr. Masghati's integration into University of Maryland's cancer center and tumor boards makes her well-positioned for patients navigating complex surgical oncology decisions in Baltimore.
