Northwest Oncology & Hematology

Rolling Meadows Office: 847.870.4100
Elk Grove Village Office: 847.437.3312
Hoffman Estates Office: 847.885.4100
Barrington Office: 847.842.0180
Elgin Office: 847.577.1023

Welcome to our health education library. The information shared below is provided to you as an educational and informational source only and is not intended to replace a medical examination or consultation, or medical advice given to you by a physician or medical professional.

Types of Surgery for Breast CancerCĀ”ncer del seno: Tipos de cirugĀ­a

Types of Surgery for Breast Cancer

Several surgical procedures are used to treat breast cancer. The goal of each is to remove the cancer. Based on medical factors and your own feelings, you and your surgeon will decide which approach may be best for you.

Cutaway view of breast with tumor

Lumpectomy

The goal of lumpectomy is to remove the cancer while conserving the breast. To do this, the surgeon removes the breast tissue containing the cancer cells. Some surrounding normal tissue is also taken. This surgery does not often require a hospital stay. In most cases, it is followed by radiation therapy.

Cutaway view of breast with tumor

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.

Cutaway view of breast with tumor

Modified Radical Mastectomy

During modified radical mastectomy, the surgeon removes all breast tissue. A strip of skin containing the nipple is also taken. Some axillary lymph nodes are removed. This surgery most often requires a hospital stay. Based on the results of follow-up tests, further treatment may be needed.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, breast and lymph node surgery involves certain risks:

  • Pain or numbness (under the arm)

  • Bleeding or infection

  • Fluid collection (seroma)

  • Long-term swelling of the arm (lymphedema)

  • Stiffness of the shoulder

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 identified, removed, and screened for cancer (sentinel node biopsy). Sometimes all of the nodes are removed. If the nodes contain cancer, more treatment is often needed.

Date Last Reviewed: 2007-01-15T00:00:00-07:00

Date Last Modified: 2005-08-01T00:00:00-06:00

Contact us at Northwest Oncology & Hematology. You can reach us at 847.870.4100 (Rolling Meadows office), 847.437.3312 (Elk Grove Village office), 847.885.4100 (Hoffman Estates office), 847.842.0180 (Barrington office) and 847.577.1023 (Elgin office)For your convenience, you can also use our New Patient Appointment online form to schedule your consultation with us.

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