Breast cancer surgery is an advanced procedure to remove the cancer while maintaining optimal tissue health. This type of cancer treatment is available for women (and men) depending on the stage of breast cancer.
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In a single operation, surgeons can perform both breast cancer surgery and plastic surgery for a breast reduction or lift. Learn More
Types of Breast Cancer Surgery Treatments
Fellowship-trained breast surgeons and dedicated breast oncologists strive to provide shorter treatment windows and better methods to prevent reoccurrence. The right procedure is determined by the tumor type, size, stage and your age. Additionally, a postoperative treatment plan involving radiation therapy may also be required, depending on the extent of the cancer.
Lumpectomy
A lumpectomy procedure removes the whole tumor, while conserving as much breast tissue as possible. When paired with intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT), it can shorten postoperative radiation treatments or eliminate future treatments altogether. Additionally, breast surgeons can also do equalizing work on the other breast for a more symmetrical appearance.
Mastectomy
A mastectomy is a procedure for total removal of the breast, with the option of reshaping the breast through reconstructive surgery. Breast surgeons also use surgical techniques to hide scars or retain nipples for less visible reminders. While a mastectomy is an option, it’s not always the first step since surgical approaches continue to advance.
Oncoplasty
For women with early-stage breast cancer, oncoplasty is an approach that combines the removal of the lump with plastic surgery techniques. This way patients can receive a better cosmetic result with less visible scarring, providing a path back to normalcy.
Savi Scout
Savi Scout is a non-radioactive alternative that helps improve efficiency and accuracy to locate a breast tumor for removal. During a biopsy, the rice-sized Savi Scout electronic device is inserted into the tumor site – marking the site for the breast surgeon. This is an advancement from past usage of guidewires and radioactive markers.
IORT
Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) delivers a single, concentrated dose of radiation to a tumor during a lumpectomy surgery. This electron-based procedure helps reduce the length of radiation therapy a patient may have to undergo after surgery.
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Tumor Sequencing
Your oncologist may recommend tumor sequencing, also known as precision oncology. This method uses genomic testing to analyze your normal healthy DNA and the tumor’s DNA. Precision oncology can help physicians recommend treatments for your specific type of tumor.
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Estrogen-Reducing Medications
Most breast cancer cell growth is fueled by estrogen. There are multiple medications that can help block estrogen production in order to treat and prevent further growth, spread and recurrence. Your specialist can further explain medication options that may work best for you.
Lymph Node Removal
Known as axillary dissection, this type of surgery takes out all lymph nodes in case breast cancer has spread. An axillary dissection only occurs if the initial tested lymph nodes and the sentinel lymph nodes prove to have cancer.
Plastic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery
Plastic surgeons can provide breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy. For a lumpectomy, they combine breast reduction or enhancement techniques with reconstructive surgery. All patients have access to plastic surgery consultations. To request surgical restoration, begin with an individual consultation.
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