Surgical Procedures

Lumpectomy: The surgeon removes the breast cancer and some normal tissue around it (in order to get clear margins). This procedure usually results in removing all the cancer, while leaving you with a breast that looks much the same as it did before surgery. Usually, the surgeon also takes out some of the lymph nodes under the arm to find out if the cancer has spread. Women who have lumpectomies almost always have radiation therapy as well. Radiation therapy is used to destroy any cancer cells that may not have been removed by surgery.
Partial or segmental mastectomy: Depending on the size and location of the cancer, this surgery can conserve much of the breast. The surgeon removes the cancer, some of the breast tissue, the lining over the chest muscles below the tumor, and usually some of the lymph nodes under the arm. In most cases, radiation therapy follows.

The material above is taken in their entirety from the National Cancer Institute Booklet (No. 98-4251) entitled, "Understanding Breast Cancer Treatment: A Guide for Patients." Illustrations drawn and contributed by Susan Spangler.

The following are some instructions we have provided in order to make your surgery more comfortable. These instructions are intended to supplement, not replace the advice of your health care provider. Please click on the appropriate topic to learn more.

Lumpectomy/ Partial Mastectomy/ Re-excision Instructions for Surgery

Lumpectomy/Partial Mastectomy with Axillary Lymph Node Dissection Instructions for Surgery