Surgical options
Breast-conserving surgery removes the cancer while preserving most of the breast.
Breast-conserving surgery is also called lumpectomy, wide local excision or partial mastectomy.
The amount of tissue removed depends on the size and location of the cancer, the extent of abnormal imaging findings and the need to obtain an adequate surgical margin.
Who may be considered?
Breast-conserving surgery may be considered when the known disease can be removed with an acceptable margin while preserving a reasonable breast shape.
Suitability depends on more than tumor size alone. The relationship between the tumor and breast size, the number and distribution of lesions, previous radiotherapy, genetic risk and patient preference may all matter.
Why is radiotherapy usually discussed?
Breast-conserving surgery treats the visible and measurable area of disease. Radiotherapy is commonly recommended afterward to reduce the risk of cancer returning in the breast.
The radiotherapy schedule, timing and suitability should be discussed with a radiation oncologist.
Could another operation be required?
Yes.
After surgery, a pathologist examines the removed tissue and the surrounding margins. If cancer is present at or close to a margin, additional surgery may be considered.
The need for additional surgery depends on the pathology, the margin involved and the overall treatment plan.
Oncoplastic breast surgery
Oncoplastic surgery combines tumor removal with techniques used to reshape the remaining breast tissue.
It may allow a larger area to be removed while maintaining breast contour in selected patients. The opposite breast may sometimes require a balancing procedure.
Oncoplastic surgery does not change the requirement to remove the cancer appropriately.
Questions for the surgeon
- How much breast tissue is likely to be removed?
- What cosmetic change should I realistically expect?
- Will oncoplastic reshaping be considered?
- What is the possibility of a positive margin?
- Could I later require mastectomy?
- Will radiotherapy be required?
- Will surgery affect future imaging?
- Who will manage wound problems after I return home?