Surgery Treatment for Breast Cancer
Surgery is one of the most common and effective treatments for breast cancer. The type of surgery depends on the size, location, and stage of the tumor, as well as patient preferences and overall health.
Types of Breast Cancer Surgery
- Breast-Conserving Surgery (Lumpectomy): Only the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue are removed. Suitable for early-stage cancers.
- Mastectomy: The entire breast is removed. There are different types:
- Total (Simple) Mastectomy: Removes the whole breast without lymph nodes.
- Modified Radical Mastectomy: Removes the whole breast and some lymph nodes.
- Radical Mastectomy (Rarely Used): Removes breast, lymph nodes, and chest wall muscles.
Lymph Node Removal
Lymph nodes are often removed during surgery to check if cancer has spread:
- Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB): Only the first few lymph nodes to which cancer would spread are removed.
- Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: More lymph nodes under the arm are removed if cancer is found.
Reconstruction Options
After a mastectomy, some women choose breast reconstruction surgery to rebuild the shape of the breast using implants or tissue from other parts of the body.
Note: Not all patients need surgery. Treatment plans vary and may include chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy before or after surgery.
Risks and Recovery
As with any surgery, there are risks including infection, bleeding, pain, and scarring. Recovery time depends on the procedure type and individual health. Most patients return to normal activities within weeks.
Your doctor will help you choose the best surgical option based on your specific diagnosis and personal preferences.
