Breast Cancer Treatment – Lumpectomy

Breast Cancer Lumpectomies

Breast-conserving surgery is an option for many women who receive treatment while their breast cancer is still in an early stage. Although most women and their doctors prefer a breast cancer treatment plan that includes a lumpectomy and radiation therapy, breast-conserving surgery depends on many factors and may not always be an option. In some cases, neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be given before breast cancer surgery to reduce the size of the tumor, which may allow for breast-conserving surgery.

Lumpectomy is considered breast-conserving surgery because the surgeon spares as much healthy breast tissue as possible. A lumpectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue surrounding the tumor site. The advantage of choosing a lumpectomy for your breast cancer treatment is that it leaves most of the breast untouched. If you choose to have a lumpectomy, you may be advised to undergo radiation therapy as well for approximately six weeks. Typically, the radiation therapy will follow breast cancer surgery.

Selecting a breast cancer treatment plan is a very personal and difficult decision. There are a number of factors you will need to take into consideration. Clinical studies have shown no difference in the survival rates for women who have invasive breast cancer and choose lumpectomy with radiation instead of a mastectomy. Your treatment team at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) will help you weigh the benefits and risks of each breast cancer treatment option so you can decide what’s best for your individual situation.

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Breast Cancer