Breast Cancer Surgery & Surgical Oncology Procedures
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Video: Breast Cancer Surgery
Breast Cancer SurgeryBreast Cancer Surgery
At CTCA, we offer a variety of surgical procedures with the aim of eradicating breast cancer. Listen to Dr. Steven Standiford describe surgical treatment options for breast cancer patients.
For many patients, breast cancer surgery is often part of the treatment process. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), your team of experts provides a range of advanced surgical treatment options to remove tumors and to recunstruct the breast tissue, if necessary.
Surgical Expertise
Our highly skilled breast surgeons and surgical oncology teams have significant experience in performing surgical procedures for all types of breast cancer, including inflammatory disease. We also have the expertise and capabilities to treat advanced breast tumors that have impacted the breast and chest wall.
Whenever possible, and depending on your individual preferences, the surgical team performs breast-sparing (or breast conservation) surgery. The team is experienced in lumpectomies and partial breast mastectomies, as well as breast reconstruction. We also perform palliative surgeries to eliminate pain and increase your comfort level.
Breast Cancer Surgery Options
The following are some of the breast cancer surgery options available at CTCA:
Before or after breast cancer surgery, you may receive adjuvant (additional) treatment to stop cancer growth, spread or recurrence in the treated area. Adjuvant breast cancer treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy or a combination of these treatments.
Meeting Your Individual Needs
We recognize that breast cancer surgery is a personal decision. Your CTCA care team will help you understand all of your breast cancer surgery options so you can decide on the treatment that is right for you.
- Prior to breast cancer surgery, your care team will explain what you can expect, answer your questions and help you feel comfortable with the upcoming procedure. Also, your surgeon may perform a sentinel lymph node biopsy to determine which lymph nodes need to be removed in the underarm, and help to reduce the risk of developing lymphedema.
- During breast cancer surgery, our pathologists can evaluate tissue samples as they are removed and provide pathology results immediately. This helps to ensure that your surgical oncology team is able to remove as much cancerous tissue as possible during surgery, reducing the likelihood that you will have to undergo multiple surgeries.
- After breast cancer surgery, your care team will work with you to help prevent lymphedema and manage any side effects. You may also have breast reconstruction (plastic surgery) to rebuild the breast. In addition, an image enhancement specialist is available to help you find ways to look and feel your best.
Addressing Side Effects of Breast Cancer Surgery
Breast cancer surgical procedures can cause short-term pain and tenderness in the treated area. Also, the skin in the breast area may feel tight, and the muscles of the arm may feel stiff or weak. In addition, surgery involving the lymph node region can sometimes cause swelling in the arm, a condition called lymphedema.
Your CTCA care team includes clinicians from multiple disciplines who will support you on many levels before, during and after breast cancer surgery. For example, your pain management practitioner will help control your pain, your mind-body therapist will provide counseling and your rehabilitation therapist will help you regain strength and manage lymphedema. In addition, your dietitian and naturopathic clinician will help you stay nutritionally fortified before, during and after your breast cancer procedures by providing diet and supplement recommendations.
Next Topic: Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Breast Cancer
