- 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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- 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:
August 31, 2007
