Surgery

Decisions regarding surgery are based upon numerous factors. The stage of the cancer, the type of cancer, and what is acceptable to you in terms of your long-term peace of mind are all issues to consider when you and your doctor are deciding on the type of surgery that is most appropriate for you. Two of the options most women have today are choosing to have a lumpectomy or a mastectomy.

A lumpectomy is also referred to as breast-conserving therapy. When performing a lumpectomy, the surgeon will remove the breast cancer, including some of the normal breast tissue surrounding the tumor, as well as some lymph nodes under the arm. After the lumpectomy, a five- to eight-week course of radiation therapy is often used to treat the remaining breast tissue. This radiation is administered to help decrease the risk of cancer returning in the remaining breast tissue. The majority of women who have small, early-stage breast cancers are excellent candidates for this treatment approach.

A mastectomy is recommended when the cancer is found in numerous areas of the breast, the breast is small or shaped in such a way that a lumpectomy will leave only a small amount of breast tissue or the breast will be deformed and, in cases where the woman does not wish to have radiation treatment. The two types of mastectomies women will most likely have are a total mastectomy or a modified radical mastectomy.

A total mastectomy is a procedure that involves the removal of the entire breast yet leaves the lymph nodes intact. With a modified radical mastectomy, the surgeon removes all of the breast tissue along with the nipple. Lymph nodes in the armpit are also removed while the chest muscles are left intact. Breast reconstruction can begin immediately after a mastectomy or at a later date.