Treatment5 min read

Breast cancer surgery

Surgery removes the cancer from the body. It is the most common treatment for breast cancer — and today it is more precise and gentler than ever.

Surgery aims to remove the tumour and, if needed, nearby lymph nodes, while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible. There are two main options, chosen based on your tumour and your preferences.

The two main approaches

  • Lumpectomy: removing only the tumour and a small margin
  • Mastectomy: removing the whole breast
  • Lymph node surgery to check for spread
  • Reconstruction to rebuild the breast shape, if chosen

The choice is not just medical — it is personal. A lumpectomy usually needs radiation afterwards; a mastectomy does not. Some women choose mastectomy for peace of mind; others prefer to keep their breast. Both are valid when the medical team agrees.

In brief

The most common breast cancer treatment
Lumpectomy preserves the breast
Mastectomy removes the whole breast

What you can do

Weigh options with your surgeon

Ask about margins, radiation needs and recovery.

Talk about reconstruction

It can happen at the same time or later.

Keep learning

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