Breast Cancer: Partial Mastectomy

Did You Know? A Lumpectomy is effective in reducing cancer reoccurrence 

Lumpectomy treatment has increased to an estimated 59%   

A Lumpectomy is an effective procedure in preventing Breast Cancer reoccurrence

Studies have shown that either a lumpectomy (plus radiation) or mastectomy are equally effective treatments in removing breast cancer within the first stage.  

This guide is intended to help educate patients on an early stage breast cancer treatment option. The following three sections highlight what a lumpectomy surgical procedure is, common diagnosis procedures, and possible surgical risk factors.   

01 | What is a Lumpectomy  

A lumpectomy, also known as a partial mastectomy, is a surgical procedure to remove a malignant tumor and the surrounding infected tissue found in the breast area. A lumpectomy not only offers a method in diagnosing cancer but also used to determine if cancer has spread to other areas.  

The area of tissue removed varies on a case-by-case basis. In some circumstances, a re-excision may be performed if cancer has spread outside of the original surgical perimeter, along the outer rim of the breast tissue in an attempt to remove all cancer. 

02 | Common Diagnosis Procedures

There are several stages in preparing for a lumpectomy procedure. The initial preparation contains a number of cancer detecting confirmation techniques including:  

• Diagnosis - includes finding the area a lump or abnormal tissue resides and collecting a sample to test to confirm cancer.
• Axillary node dissection – done if prior biopsy has shown signs of cancer.
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy – the body is injected with radioactive dye enabling the surgeon to easily see the location of the lymph nodes being removed.

03 | Risks

Generally, surgical procedures are risky to undergo for numerous reasons. Risk factors regarding breast cancer surgery can include the inability of not having all the cancer removed. Other general risks include:  

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Scar Tissue
• Loss of feeling in breast
• Formation of breast change

Speak to your medical provider on treatment options. For additional resources and information on Breast Cancer and treatments visit: http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/lumpectomy-partial-mastectomy  

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References 

http://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/mobile-test/BreastCancer/infographic-text.html 

http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lumpectomy/basics/what-you-can-expect/prc-20012706 

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/lumpectomy/expectations