Due to a system-wide technology update, we are experiencing extremely high call volume. We appreciate your patience with our operators during this time. Thank you for choosing Fox Chase Cancer Center.
February 16, 2021—Fox Chase Cancer Center's Andrea Porpiglia MD, MSc, spoke with two local news stations to explain why women should schedule their mammograms before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
Assistant Professor
Minimally Invasive Surgery
MainLine Top Doctor 2016, 2017, 2018
My journey in medicine started at the University of Tennessee, where I attended Medical School and then completed my residency in General Surgery. As a resident in Memphis, I discovered my passion for surgical oncology because I could develop caring, long-term relationships with patients. The opportunity to use my surgical skills and have a traditional patient/doctor relationship is what drew me to apply for a surgical oncology fellowship.
Becoming a Surgical Oncology fellow at Fox Chase Cancer Center (FCCC) in 2013 was a great honor. I received the best possible training in treating cancer based on current research and guidelines. As important, I learned the way that everyone at FCCC treats patients like they are part of our family.
After five years of private practice in the greater Philadelphia area following my fellowship, I was very excited to rejoin the FCCC family in 2020 as an instructor and surgeon.
Learning that you or a loved one has cancer can be scary and overwhelming. My philosophy of patient care is to take care of each person as a unique and whole individual. Caring for cancer patients is an honor and privilege. I will be there with you, every step of the way, providing the same care that I would my own family.
I was just beginning a new chapter of my life when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 at the age of 73.
Several months prior, my husband had passed away after a 12-year fight with prostate cancer. That left me alone in a large home with 13 rooms. Two of my girlfriends encouraged me to move to an apartment complex for seniors in Pittston, Pennsylvania, about two hours north of Philadelphia.
Before my cancer diagnosis, I’d had stomachaches on and off for years. My husband and I work as landscapers in the summer, and I always felt good during those months. It was when we’d stop working in the winter that I’d start to feel unwell.
I saw a few doctors over the span of about five years, but the pain was never consistent, so we didn’t take it too seriously. I figured it must be due to wintertime inactivity and eating poorly. Worst case, I thought I might have Crohn’s disease, because my brother and niece both have it, but no doctor ever confirmed that suspicion.
I am 84 years old and I just moved to an over-55 community with my husband, George, last year. Since I retired from secretarial and real estate work about two decades ago, I’ve kept busy by joining a knitting group, gardening, and going to the gym.
Lopez Granados E, Porpiglia AS, Hogan MB, Matamoros N, Krasovec S, Pignata C, Smith CI, Hammarstrom L, Bjorkander J, Belohradsky BH, Casariego GF, Garcia Rodriguez MC, Conley ME. “Clinical and molecular analysis of patients with defects in micro heavy chain gene.” J Clin Invest. 2002 Oct;110(7):1029-35.
Porpiglia AS, Rohrer J, Conley ME. “Reconstitution of B cell function in murine models of immunodeficiency.” Clin Immunol. 2003 May;107(2):90-7.
Porpiglia AS, Sigurdson ER. “Surgical Options in the Treatment of Lower GI Tract Cancers.” Current Treatment Options in Oncology. 2015;16:46.
Porpiglia AS, Reddy S, Farma JM. “Retroperitoneal Sarcomas”. Surgical Clinics of North America. 2016 Oct;96(5):993-1001.
Porpiglia AS, Nguyen D, Farma JM, Reddy SS. “The Role of Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) in Low-Grade Appendiceal Neoplasm: Friend or Foe?” J Gastrointest Dig Syst. 2016;6(5).
February 16, 2021—Fox Chase Cancer Center's Andrea Porpiglia MD, MSc, spoke with two local news stations to explain why women should schedule their mammograms before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
I was pleased with my visit but didn't see Andrea Porpiglia, M.D. Seen her assistant who was perfect and very caring.
Top tier professionalism is evident and very much appreciated !
This doctor is excellent!
Always an exceptional experience with Dr. Porpiglia - very dedicated, courteous and AMAZING
Being diagnosed in a recurrent [...] cancer is stressful & scary. The doctor & her team were wonderful!
My experience with all staff at Fox Chase has been amazing. I am very happy with the care and concern of everyone. I came to Fox Chase for a second opinion and I am beyond thankful that I did.
An outstanding experience in every way
Felt very heard & understood.
Great experience! I am a healthcare provider working for a different healthcare system, and I was extremely impressed at the high quality care.
All good
I truly love Dr. Porpiglia.
Good experience
My visit was a very very good experience. I was hoping for a second opinion about the upcoming surgery. Dr. Porpiglia was wonderful. I am very confident that she will be my surgeon.
First time experience at Fox Chase Cancer Center and I have nothing but praise for the doctor and entire staff.All are so warm and caring! Thank you everyone!!
Always professional, attentive, as well as friendly.
Everyone at this office has been great.
My visit with Dr. Propiglia was for the purpose of getting a second opinion on cancer diagnosis and treatment. I was very pleased with her service and expertise.
I am blessed to have found this team to help my tackle my health concerns.
Care provider treated me excellently.
Excellent.
Dr. Porpiglia has given me the utmost care and attention - there has NEVER been a time that she has NOT addressed my concerns or health issues - always available and goes above and beyond to help in any way possible - SHE'S ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!
Dr Porpiglia responded to my questions through email in a timely manner. I was appreciative of her responding to me herself rather than having someone else answer my questions.
My visit was of an emergency on my part and the issue I had which was very painful was taken care of quickly which put me out of pain.
the office visit was very good, nothing bad to say
I've been a Fox Chase patient for years, but I wanted to see if I could get an office closer to home & that's how I found Dr. Porpiglia.
Excellent care.
Dr. Porpiglia is too rushed and didn't spend enough time with me.
Very good experience and very glad I went there for a second opinion.
Very professional!
Overall, wonderful care!
I followed Dr. Porpiglia from her former professional affiliation. My breast cancer diagnosis was devastating - Dr. Porpiglia has been professional, compassionate and truly the only doctor in my team in whom I have faith and trust. Thank God I was directed to her.