Breast Surgery
Breast surgery is the initial treatment for most types of breast cancer. Patients can have a lumpectomy (also called partial mastectomy or breast-conservation surgery) or a mastectomy with or without reconstruction. The final surgical decision is based on the tumor size, breast size and patient’s preference.
Lumpectomy
A lumpectomy removes the cancer with surrounding healthy breast tissue. It is a breast-conservation procedure. It is a less invasive breast surgery and can be done on an ambulatory same day basis. Many women following lumpectomy receive radiation therapy to decrease chances of cancer recurring.
Mastectomy
Mastectomy removes not only breast cancer area but the remainder of the breast tissue as well. It is a more extensive surgery and usually requires removal of the nipple areola. Patients who elect for mastectomy are offered postmastectomy reconstruction with a plastic or reconstructive surgeon. Mastectomy without removing the nipple/areola is called nipple areola sparing mastectomy.
These options are discussed ahead of time.
Lymph Node Biopsy
A lymph node biopsy is usually performed during mastectomy or lumpectomy. It is the removal of the first set of underarm lymph nodes that the breast drains into. These are called sentinel lymph nodes. Injecting blue dye or radioactive tracer into the breast prior to surgery identifies sentinel lymph nodes. If sentinel lymph nodes do not have cancer, we can spare removing axillary lymph nodes. Sparing removal of additional lymph nodes minimizes lymphedema.
Surgical excisional breast biopsy
Surgical excisional biopsy is the removal of abnormal breast tissue that was suspicious based on results of needle biopsy. It is done via a small incision and done as an ambulatory, same day surgery. Prior to surgery, patients have localization of the abnormal lesion with special wireless radar marker or a wire that is removed during the surgery.
