Lumpectomy or Mastectomy: Breast Cancer Surgeon Explains

Both lumpectomy and mastectomy are procedures used to remove breast cancer. While both are effective, they have distinct advantages and disadvantages. If you have just been diagnosed, you may be wondering which treatment option is best for you.

In this blog, a breast cancer surgeon in Kolkata discusses everything you need to know to participate actively in your treatment plan and choose the best option for you.

 

 

Lumpectomy & Mastectomy Overview

Lumpectomy 

A lumpectomy is a surgical procedure that removes cancer from the breast while leaving the healthy breast tissues intact. The procedure is designed to preserve as much of the breast's appearance as possible.

Your doctor will remove the tumour and any affected surrounding tissue during this surgery. 

Following the procedure, your doctor will examine you to ensure that all cancer has been eradicated. If this is the case, the lumpectomy was a success.

Otherwise, your physician may need to remove additional tissue. A lumpectomy may be ruled out in more severe cases.

You will almost certainly require radiation therapy (RT) to prevent recurrence and destroy any remaining cancer cells following a lumpectomy.

According to the best breast cancer doctor in Kolkata, this procedure is recommended for patients who have been diagnosed with a less aggressive form of cancer. 

Mastectomy 

Mastectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the entire breast to treat breast cancer. Doctors recommend a mastectomy if cancer has spread throughout the breast or if the tumour is too large. 

Mastectomy procedures are classified into five categories:

• Simple (total) - The entire breast is removed during this procedure, but no lymph nodes in the underarm or muscle beneath the breast are removed. For women who wish to avoid developing breast cancer, a simple (total) mastectomy is recommended.

• Modified radical - The entire breast and some lymph nodes are removed during this mastectomy. No muscle, however, is removed. This procedure is used to examine the lymph nodes and determine if cancer has spread beyond the breast.

• Radical - This is the most invasive mastectomy procedure. A radical mastectomy involves the complete removal of the breast, underarm lymph nodes, and chest muscles. This procedure is recommended if your cancer has spread to the breast's chest muscles.

• Partial – This breast cancer surgery in Kolkata is performed to remove the cancerous portion of the breast and some surrounding tissue. While this procedure is similar to a lumpectomy, it removes more tissue.

• Subcutaneous - Also referred to as a nipple-sparing mastectomy, this procedure removes all breast tissue while leaving the nipple intact.

Benefits and Risks

Lumpectomy benefits include – 

• Less invasive compared to a mastectomy. 

• Contributes to the preservation of your breast's natural shape.

• In many cases, a lumpectomy can be performed on the same day, allowing you to return home immediately following surgery

Lumpectomy risks include – 

• High risk of recurrence

• People who get a lumpectomy also require radiation therapy

Mastectomy benefits – 

• Minimal chance of recurrence

• Lowers the risk of needing additional surgeries

• People who undergo this breast cancer treatment in Kolkata typically don't need radiation therapy

Mastectomy risks – 

• Mastectomy is a more invasive procedure than lumpectomy and typically requires a longer hospital stay.

• Longer recovery time

• The permanent removal of the breast can cause negative psychological effects