Breast Cancer:Surgery and Radiation

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Mastectomy vs. Lumpectomy


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Reasons to have a mastectomy
  • The cancer is large or large in relation to the rest of your breast.
  • The cancer is present in more than one area of the breast.
  • You are worried that the cancer will come back in your breast or that breast-conserving surgery will not remove all of the cancer. You may need a mastectomy if the breast cancer comes back in the same breast.
  • You do not have a strong desire to keep your breast.
  • You are worried about side effects from radiation therapy, such as fatigue and skin changes.
  • You do not think you will be happy with the way your breast will look after breast-conserving surgery and radiation treatments.
  • You may not be able or willing to have additional treatment with radiation therapy for 6 weeks.
  • Radiation treatments are not available in your area. You will have to travel a great distance to receive treatments.
  • You do not wish to have radiation therapy.

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Reasons to have breast-conserving surgery
  • The cancer is small or in an area near the edge of your breast.
  • Removing the cancer may leave only a small defect in the breast.
  • You have a strong desire to keep your breast.
  • You do not wish to have reconstructive surgery.
    • Breast reconstruction may involve one or more surgeries. There is an increased risk of complications from additional surgery.
    • Removing a breast without doing reconstructive surgery can cause a weight shift, leading to neck and back pain. This is particularly true if you have large breasts.
  • You are worried about problems such as muscle weakness or skin changes after a mastectomy.
  • You may be disappointed with the way you look after a mastectomy even if you have breast reconstruction.
  • Radiation therapy is conveniently located in your area.

Last Updated: May 06, 2008


Last Updated: August 31, 2007
Author:
Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Medical Review:
Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine

Douglas A. Stewart, MD - Medical Oncology


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