If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may need to undergo surgery to have the tumor removed. In some cases, the breast can be reconstructed at the same time the tumor is removed but some patients come back to have the breast tissue restored with a grafting procedure or breast implants at a later date. We do whatever we can to conserve as much of the original breast tissue as possible but in many cases, the entire breast has to be removed. Your doctor will determine what type of procedure needs to be performed and what technique to use based on your unique situation.
Breast Cancer Treatment Options
Most women need to undergo radiation therapy to the breast after any type of breast conserving surgery. Radiation may be delayed if the patient is undergoing chemotherapy after surgery. Women in the early stages of breast cancer can choose between breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy depending on how they feel about losing their breast, undergoing radiation therapy, and whether they think they may need additional surgery if they choose not to have a mastectomy at this time.
Types of Breast Cancer Surgery
Lumpectomy
The most conservative type of breast cancer surgery that involves removing the breast tumor and some of the healthy tissue around it. It is also known as a partial mastectomy because some of the unaffected tissue has to be removed.
Mastectomy
This involves removing the entire breast and some patients undergo a breast reconstruction procedure at the same time as mastectomy to maintain their feminine silhouette. The different types of mastectomy are:
Simple – also known as ‘total’ mastectomy, involves removing the entire breast tissue but leaving the muscles under the breast tissue intact.
Modified Radical Mastectomy – the entire breast tissue is removed along with the lymph nodes in the underarm.
Radical Mastectomy – involves removing the entire breast along with regional axillary lymph nodes and the chest wall muscles under the breasts.
Axillary Lymph Node Dissection – if cancer has spread to the regional lymph nodes in the underarms, they may need to be removed with surgery.
Learn more about breast cancer surgery by scheduling your appointment at our Los Angeles or Glendale office today.
