Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Surgery in India - Does Every Patient Need a Mastectomy?

Many people assume that a breast cancer diagnosis automatically means a mastectomy. This short explains the main surgical options and why breast-conserving surgery is often possible.

Types of breast cancer surgery

Surgery for breast cancer aims to remove the cancerous tissue. There are two main approaches.

• Mastectomy. This is the removal of the entire breast. There are different types of mastectomy, some of which may preserve the skin or the nipple for reconstruction.
• Lumpectomy. Also called breast-conserving surgery, this involves removing the tumour and a small margin of healthy tissue around it. The rest of the breast is left intact.
• Lymph node surgery. Surgery often includes checking the lymph nodes in the armpit to see if cancer cells have spread. This can be a sentinel node biopsy or a more extensive axillary clearance.

How is the type of surgery decided

The decision between a mastectomy and a lumpectomy depends on several factors related to the cancer and to you.

• Tumour size and type. A lumpectomy is usually an option for smaller, single tumours. Larger or multiple tumours may make a mastectomy a more suitable option.
• Tumour location. The position of the cancer within the breast can affect whether a good cosmetic result is possible with a lumpectomy.
• Further treatment. A lumpectomy is almost always followed by a course of radiotherapy to the remaining breast tissue. This reduces the risk of the cancer returning in that breast.
• Patient preference. Your own feelings about preserving your breast versus removing it are an important part of the decision-making process.

The information here is a general guide. The most suitable type of surgery for you can only be decided after a specialist has reviewed your individual case, including your pathology reports and recent imaging.