Types of Breast Cancer Surgeries

What Is Breast-Conserving Surgery?

Breast-conserving surgery, also called:

• Lumpectomy
• Partial mastectomy

involves removing:

• The breast tumor
• A small margin of surrounding healthy tissue

The goal is to preserve as much of the natural breast as possible while treating the cancer.

For many patients, lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy can be an effective treatment approach.

What Is a Mastectomy?

A mastectomy involves removal of the entire breast.

Some patients may choose mastectomy because of:

• Tumor size
• Multiple tumors
• Genetic risk factors
• Personal preference
• Prior radiation history

In certain cases, breast reconstruction may also be discussed as part of surgical planning.

Which Surgery Is Better?

There is no single “best” surgery for every patient.

The right surgical approach depends on:

• Tumor size and location
• Breast size
• Cancer stage
• Lymph node involvement
• Genetic testing results
• Need for radiation therapy
• Personal goals and preferences

Many patients are candidates for either lumpectomy or mastectomy.

Will Radiation Therapy Be Needed?

After Lumpectomy

Most patients who undergo breast-conserving surgery will also receive radiation therapy.

After Mastectomy

Some mastectomy patients may not need radiation, although it may still be recommended in certain situations.

Your treatment team will review the risks and benefits based on your individual case.

How Are Surgical Decisions Made?

Breast cancer surgery is a shared decision-making process between the patient and care team.

During consultation, the surgeon reviews:

• Imaging results
• Pathology findings
• Treatment options
• Risks and benefits
• Recovery expectations

The goal is to help patients make informed decisions that align with their medical needs and personal preferences.

About Dr. Danielle Bertoni

Dr. Danielle Bertoni is a breast surgical oncologist at the Gregory Rhodes MD Cancer Center specializing in breast cancer surgery, breast conservation, high-risk breast care, and survivorship.

Video Transcript

The surgical approach to breast cancer typically involves two main options: breast conservation and mastectomy.

Breast conservation, also known as lumpectomy, involves removing the tumor along with a small margin of normal tissue while preserving most of the natural breast.

The alternative is a mastectomy, which involves removal of the entire breast.

Most women are candidates for breast conservation, and it is generally considered the best approach for many patients.

However, many patients who undergo a lumpectomy will require radiation therapy.

For mastectomy patients, radiation is often not needed, but some patients may still require it.

Choosing the best surgical option depends on various factors, and ultimately, it is the patient’s decision.

When patients come in for consultation, I review all their information and walk them through the pros and cons of each procedure in detail so they can make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between lumpectomy and mastectomy?

A lumpectomy removes the tumor and preserves most of the breast, while a mastectomy removes the entire breast.

Do all breast cancer patients need a mastectomy?

No. Many patients are candidates for breast-conserving surgery.

Is radiation required after lumpectomy?

Radiation therapy is commonly recommended after lumpectomy to reduce recurrence risk.

Can patients choose between surgery options?

In many cases, yes. Surgical decisions are often made collaboratively between the patient and surgeon.