Types of Surgery for Breast Cancer
Several types of surgery are used to treat breast cancer. The goal of each is to remove the cancer. You and your surgeon will decide which approach is best for you.
 Lumpectomy |
 Simple mastectomy |
 Modified radical mastectomy |
Lumpectomy
The goal of lumpectomy is to remove the cancer while conserving the breast. To do this, the surgeon removes the breast tissue that contains the cancer cells. A margin of normal tissue is also taken. This surgery does not often require a hospital stay. In most cases, it is followed by radiation therapy.
Simple Mastectomy
During a simple mastectomy, the surgeon removes all of the breast tissue, plus the nipple. This surgery most often requires a hospital stay. Based on the results of surgery and follow-up tests, further treatment may also be needed.
Modified Radical Mastectomy
During modified radical mastectomy, the surgeon removes all the breast tissue. A strip of skin that contains the nipple is also taken. Some of the lymph nodes in the armpit near the breast are removed as well. This surgery most often requires a hospital stay. Based on the results of follow-up tests, further treatment may be needed.
Checking the Lymph Nodes
If cancer cells break away from a tumor, they can travel in the lymph fluid. During surgery, your first lymph node or nodes may be removed and checked for cancer. This is called a sentinel node biopsy. In some cases, all of the nodes are removed. If the nodes contain cancer, more treatment is often needed.
Risks and Possible Complications
Risks of breast and lymph node surgery include:
Pain or numbness (under the arm)
Bleeding or infection
Fluid collection (seroma)
Long-term swelling of the arm (lymphedema)
Stiffness of the shoulder