Breast cancer treatment usually begins with surgery to remove the cancer. The surgery may be a mastectomy or a lumpectomy and may also include the removal of lymph nodes.
A mastectomy removes the entire breast and nipple along with some axillary (underarm) lymph nodes.
A lumpectomy removes the cancerous part of the breast and a small amount of surrounding tissue. Lumpectomy is sometimes known as a partial mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery because most of the breast is saved. If the cancer is an invasive breast cancer, some lymph nodes in the underarm will usually be removed as well.
Your treatment plan
The option that is best for you will depend on many factors, including the characteristics of your breast cancer, the size and location of the tumour, whether or not you require radiation therapy after surgery, and your risk of recurrence (the cancer coming back).
Most women will have the choice of either lumpectomy or mastectomy. In some cases a surgeon may recommend a mastectomy over a lumpectomy, for example, if the tumour is very large and you have very small breasts, or if you have extensive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
It may take some time for you to consider your options and weigh the benefits and limitations of each type of surgery. For example, some patients may want to keep as much of their breast as possible, while others will have more peace of mind if the entire affected breast is removed. Discuss your options and any concerns you have with your health care team. Their advice and your preferences are important considerations in helping you decide on your treatment plan, including the type of surgery you have.
Side effects of surgery
Some of the possible short-term side effects of surgery include fatigue, infection, pain or tenderness, swelling and weakness or stiffness of the arm or shoulder areas.
If lymph nodes are removed, a possible long-term side effect is lymphedema.
Ask your health care team about the benefits, limitations and possible side effects of surgery to help you make an informed decision about your treatment.
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