My breast cancer was diagnosed early, but my physician says that I need surgery. Which operation is better – lumpectomy or mastectomy?
Although lumpectomy (removal of the tumor and its margins) – combined with radiation therapy – has gained favor as a treatment for early breast cancer, there are some important instances in which mastectomy is a better option. For example, if the tumor lies directly behind the nipple, it may be difficult for the surgeon to remove without significantly altering the shape of the breast. If this is the case, mastectomy may be a better alternative when followed up by breast reconstruction. In addition, women with small breasts may achieve better cosmetic results with mastectomy followed by breast reconstruction.
