One of the first things most breast cancer patients consider as part of their treatment process is breast surgery. What type of breast surgery is right for you? The answer to this question is best given by both the breast surgeon and a medical oncologist who specializes in breast cancer treatment. That’s because the extent of the cancer can impact the right surgery for you.
We recommend a visit with both before scheduling your surgery to remove cancer.
Surgery to Remove Breast Cancer
There are two main approaches to breast cancer surgery for patients.
1. The first type of surgery is called breast-conserving surgery. Also referred to as a lumpectomy, this surgery aims to remove as much cancer as possible while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible. Several factors will affect how much breast tissue needs to be removed, but one of the main factors is the size and specific location of the tumor.
Choosing Between Breast-Conserving Surgery and Mastectomy
Deciding which approach is the best fit for your needs can depend on a variety of factors. However, many younger women with early-stage breast cancer will opt for a breast-conserving surgical approach. While this surgery helps to retain some of the breast tissue, it also generally requires radiation therapy afterward to be sure any residual breast cancer cells near the edges, or margins, of the surgical site are cleared.
A mastectomy may be recommended by the surgeon based on the tumor size, the type of tumor, or that they have completed radiation therapy before.
Is one type of breast surgery more reliable than another?
Many people believe that the less invasive surgical option will result in a higher likelihood of cancer returning. However, studies have shown that patients who have an option for either approach have the same survival rates regardless of the type of surgery they selected.
Does your BRCA-gene status impact the decision about the type of breast surgery?
The BRCA1 and BRCA1 gene mutation is a known risk factor for developing breast cancer. If you have other women in your immediate family who have had a breast cancer diagnosis, or you meet other qualifying criteria, the decision about which surgery to use may be impacted.
Your BRCA gene status can be determined by working with your medical oncologist and a genetic counselor through WVCI. The results may impact your decision on whether to have both breasts removed even if the cancer is only present in one. This is another important aspect of working with the medical oncologist before choosing the best breast cancer surgical option for you.
Surgery to Remove Nearby Lymph Nodes
One of the biggest concerns about breast cancer is that it may spread to the lymph nodes in the underarm (the axillary lymph nodes). Surgeons will remove one or both lymph nodes to send them to a lab for further evaluation. This is quite often performed at the same time as the breast cancer removal surgery.
As with breast cancer surgery, there are two typical approaches to lymph node removal.
1. Sentinel lymph node biopsy, or SLNB, is a surgery in which only the lymph nodes that are most likely to have been impacted by cancer are removed and sent to a laboratory. This surgery reduces the chances of lymphedema (swelling in the lymph nodes) and also lowers the potential of other side effects.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery After Cancer Removal
Because breast surgeries alter how you look, breast reconstruction is an option for many women to help restore their physical appearance. In some cases the breast cancer surgeon will be a part of reconstruction and in other cases a plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction may be recommended. Find out from your breast surgeon about which you will need.
Several different types of reconstructive surgeries can be performed, so it’s essential to talk to your doctor before any surgical procedures.
Types of Breast Reconstruction
One reconstructive technique takes place during the removal of the cancerous tissue. This surgery is called immediate reconstruction. If patients opt to wait until later to reconstruct their breast tissue, it is called delayed reconstruction.
Some of the techniques used in breast reconstruction utilize the patient’s fat cells extracted from a different area of the body and then placed into the breast. This approach lowers the potential of infection and helps to eliminate dimpling that can be caused by surgery.
Additionally, a standard breast implant may be another option for reconstruction. There are several different types and sizes to choose from, so work closely with your doctor to determine which approach will work best for you.
Moving Forward With Breast Cancer Surgery Decisions
If you have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and you’re considering your breast cancer treatment options, request an appointment with one of our specialists so you can gather as much information as possible before identifying the breast cancer surgery(s) you will need.
