Breast Cancer Surgery

Breast cancer surgery involves removing the cancer while conserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Options range from Lumpectomy (removing just the tumor) to Mastectomy (removing the entire breast), often accompanied by lymph node assessment.

Breast Cancer Surgery may be recommended when conservative treatments have not been effective. Common reasons include: breast lump, cancer diagnosis. Your doctor will evaluate your specific condition through physical examination and diagnostic tests to determine if this surgery is the right option for you.

For Lumpectomy, the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue are removed. For Mastectomy, all breast tissue is removed. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is often done to check for spread. Reconstructive surgery can be performed immediately or at a later date.

Before Breast Cancer Surgery: 1) Complete all required pre-operative tests and evaluations, 2) Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements, 3) Follow fasting instructions (typically no food/drink after midnight before surgery), 4) Arrange for transportation and post-operative care at home, 5) Prepare your home for recovery with necessary supplies.

As with any surgical procedure, Breast Cancer Surgery carries potential risks including bleeding, infection, adverse reaction to anesthesia, blood clots, and procedure-specific complications. Your surgeon will discuss these risks in detail and take all necessary precautions to minimize them.