About Breast Cancer > Treatment > Surgery

Surgery

The most common form of treatment for breast cancer is surgery. This involves removing the tumor and nearby margins. Surgical options may include a lumpectomy, mastectomy, and reconstruction.

Lumpectomy Usually the option that removes the least amount of tissue, a lumpectomy removes the cancerous tumor and a margin of healthy tissue around it.

Mastectomy A mastectomy surgically removes all or part of the breast. Common types of mastectomies include total simple, skin-sparing, and modified radical.

Lymph Node Removal & Lymphedema If cancer has spread, affected lymph nodes may need to be removed. A sentinel node biopsy or axillary node dissection can check for spread.

Breast Reconstruction There are a few options for breast reconstruction, and which one you choose will depend on your age, body type, and treatment plan.