Breast Cancer Surgery Options: Lumpectomy vs. Mastectomy Explained

How do you choose between saving your breast and saving your life? We get it! You are overwhelmed by the pressure to make the 'right' decision while you're still in shock after diagnosis. A breast cancer diagnosis often brings a whirlwind of decisions. A significant decision is choosing between lumpectomy and mastectomy. Making a life-changing decision when you're emotionally and mentally exhausted can be hard. You can make informed decisions by understanding their differences, benefits, and considerations that align with their medical needs and personal values. Let's explore breast cancer awareness.

Understanding Breast Cancer

What is Breast Cancer ?

Breast cancer is a condition that develops when abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, leading to the formation of a lump or mass within the breast tissue.

What are the breast cancer symptoms?

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer? include:

• A Breast cancer lump or mass forms in the breast or underarm

• Change in breast size or shape

• Swelling in part or all of the breast

• Skin dimpling or puckering

• Nipple turning inward

• Irritated, flaky, or thickened skin on the nipple or breast area

• Nipple discharge that is clear or bloody

• Pain in the breast or nipple not related to the menstrual cycle

• Lymph node swelling under the arm or near the collarbone

Breast Cancer Surgery Options

What is a Lumpectomy?

A lumpectomy is known as breast preservation surgery or a partial mastectomy. It involves removing only the tumor and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue. This procedure eliminates the cancer while retaining as much of the breast as possible. 

Why Choose a Lumpectomy ?

• Breast preservation

• Lumpectomy recovery time is short and is less invasive

• Lumpectomy surgery followed by chemotherapy for breast cancer has similar survival rates to mastectomy.

Challenges of Choosing Lumpectomy :

• Need several weeks of radiation therapy after surgery

• May need additional surgeries

• Not suitable in case of large or multiple tumors

What is a Mastectomy ?

In a mastectomy, the procedure involves the removal of the entire breast. What are the types of mastectomy procedures? It includes total mastectomy, skin-sparing mastectomy, and nipple-sparing mastectomy depending on the cancer location and patient preference.

Why Choose a Mastectomy ?

• Lower chance of recurrence in the breast

• May avoid radiation afterward

• Removing the entire breast offers a greater sense of control and safety.

Challenges of Choosing Mastectomy

• More invasive and a longer recovery time

• Loss of the breast

• Mastectomy complications include lymphedema, infection, or reconstruction issues.

Breast Cancer Treatment?: How to Choose?

The decision between lumpectomy and mastectomy is highly personal and should be made in consultation with a medical team. For those at high genetic risk or with recurrent cancer, a bilateral mastectomy, that is, the removal of both breasts, is considered. Factors influencing the choice include:

• Size, location, and type of tumor

• Genetic factors 

• Family history

• Patient's age and overall health

• Willingness or ability to undergo radiation

• Personal preferences and lifestyle considerations

Living With Breast Cancer

Choosing between lumpectomy and mastectomy is never easy, but both are effective treatments for breast cancer. With proper guidance, patients can weigh the risks, benefits, and emotional aspects of each procedure to decide what's best for them. Ultimately, the right choice is the one that offers not only the best medical outcome but also peace of mind.

How does Believers Hospital, Thiruvalla, Excel in Delivering Expert Care for Breast Cancer?

With a focus on organ preservation, Believers Church Medical College Hospital, Thiruvalla?, offers medically appropriate outcomes, enhancing your quality of life. Our surgical oncology department has expert breast surgical oncologists who handle each case with precision and care. Our multi-disciplinary collaboration with Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, and beyond ensures fully personalised and comprehensive treatment plans. Our minimally invasive procedures reduce pain, scarring, and recovery time. Our treatment plans are tailored to individual breast cancer stages, personal preferences, and overall health goals. ?

Ready to take control of your breast health? Book a consultation today! Believers Hospital guides you with compassion, precision, and personalized care.