Mastectomy vs. Lumpectomy: Making an Informed Choice

When faced with a breast cancer diagnosis, one of the most significant decisions involves the type of surgery. The two primary options are a mastectomy and a lumpectomy (also known as breast-conserving surgery). Understanding the goal of each is key to making an informed choice in partnership with your surgeon.

What is a Lumpectomy?

A lumpectomy, or wide local excision, is a procedure where only the cancerous tumor and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue are removed. The goal is to remove the cancer while preserving as much of the natural breast as possible. This surgery is almost always followed by a course of radiation therapy to treat the remaining breast tissue and reduce the risk of recurrence.

What is a Mastectomy?

A mastectomy is the surgical removal of the entire breast. There are different types of mastectomies. A simple mastectomy removes all breast tissue, including the nipple and areola. Skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomies preserve the breast skin and sometimes the nipple, which can provide a better cosmetic result if immediate breast reconstruction is planned.

How is the Decision Made?

The choice between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy is highly personal and depends on many medical factors, including:

• The size and location of the tumor.
• The size of your breasts.
• The type of breast cancer.
• Whether multiple tumors are present in the same breast.
• Your personal preference and feelings about breast preservation versus removal.

For many women with early-stage breast cancer, studies have shown that a lumpectomy followed by radiation offers the same long-term survival rates as a mastectomy. Dr. Loots will discuss all relevant factors with you, ensuring you have the information and support to choose the path that is right for you.