What are my options for breast cancer surgery?
There are generally two different options for breast cancer surgery including:
- Lumpectomy – This surgery removes the cancerous tumor, but leaves the breast intact.
- Mastectomy – This surgery removes the entire breast but leaves the muscle underneath intact. Some women choose to have a double mastectomy to reduce their risk of cancer recurrence.
Do lymph nodes need to be removed in both types of surgeries?
During either surgery, lymph nodes under the armpit will be examined for signs of cancer. Lymph node removal is done during cancer surgery. This helps determine how far the cancer may have spread and how many lymph nodes need to be removed.
What happens after surgery?
There are certain treatments and procedures that must be completed after surgery. After a lumpectomy, radiation treatments are given to destroy any remaining cancer cells. With a mastectomy, patients usually don’t need radiation, although exceptions do occur. In both cases, chemotherapy or hormone medication may be recommended to decrease the chance of the cancer returning.
How do I know what treatment is best for me?
Being diagnosed with breast cancer is a very emotional time. A lot of information is available concerning treatment options. However, in most cases no one right treatment exists for breast cancer. An important factor in emotionally surviving breast cancer is to have an active role in treatment decisions. Talk with your doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case.
For more information on digital mammography, visit our A to Z Health Library.
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