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Health Information

Surgery

• Surgery for Breast Cancer Treatment
  

  Surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible is the primary treatment for breast cancer. Today, women have many surgical options and choices.

• What to Know About Surgery for Breast Cancer
  
• Breast-Conserving Surgery
  

  A lumpectomy is a type of breast-conserving surgery in which a cancerous lump and a portion of the breast tissue around the cancerous lump are removed, leaving the breast intact.

• Making the Decision to Have Breast-Conserving Surgery
  
• Mastectomy
  

  A mastectomy is a surgical procedure in which all or a portion of a breast is removed as a part of a treatment plan for breast cancer.

• Making the Decision to Have a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
  
• Breast Reconstruction
  

  Breast reconstruction surgery involves creating a breast mound that comes as close as possible to the form and appearance of the natural breast.

• Making the Decision to Have Reconstructive Surgery for Breast Cancer
  
• Breast Cancer: What Happens After Reconstructive Surgery
  
• Taking Care of Your Wound After Breast Surgery
  
• Lymphedema Following a Mastectomy
  

  Whenever the normal drainage pattern in the lymph nodes is disturbed or damaged—often during surgery to remove the lymph nodes—the arm may swell. This swelling, caused by too much fluid, is called lymphedema.

• Post-Mastectomy Prosthesis
  

  A prosthesis can be worn against the skin, inside the pocket of a mastectomy bra, or attached to the chest wall. Prosthetic devices are designed to look feminine and be comfortable.

• Making the Decision to Have a Mastectomy