Breast cancer surgery:
Breast cancer surgery is a key component of breast cancer treatment that involves removing the cancer with an operation. Breast cancer surgery may be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy and radiation therapy.
Breast cancer surgery includes different procedures, such as:
Surgery to remove the entire breast (mastectomy)
Surgery to remove a portion of the breast tissue (lumpectomy)
Surgery to remove nearby lymph nodes
Surgery to reconstruct a breast after mastectomy
Which breast cancer operation is best for you depends on the size and stage of your cancer, your other treatment options, and your goals and preferences.
How you prepare
Your initial meeting with a breast cancer surgeon can help you understand your treatment options and what you can expect from surgery. Prepare for this meeting by creating a list of questions to ask, such as:
Which operations are best for my particular case?
Does each option offer the same chance for breast cancer cure?
How much of my breast needs to be removed?
Should my healthy breast be removed at the same time?
How many operations will I need?
What are my options for reconstruction?
Can the reconstruction be started at the same time as my cancer surgery?
How will my breast look after surgery? Will my breasts look the same?
Can you show me pictures of other people that have undergone these procedures?
If I choose to forgo, what will my breast look like?
Is surgery safe for me?
How much time will I spend in the hospital?
How much time will I need for recovery? When can I return to work?
How many breast cancer surgeries have you done?
If you had a family member in my situation, what would you recommend?
