Breast Cancer Surgery

There are several different operations for breast cancer. Which one you have depends on where the cancer is, how big or widespread it is, and also what you prefer. The surgery involves removing the cancer from the breast as well as checking for possible spread to your lymph nodes in the armpit (axilla). Your surgeon will be able to advise you on your best options and to help you make an informed decision.

Breast Surgery

Partial Mastectomy or Lumpectomy

A partial mastectomy or lumpectomy (sometimes known as breast conservation) involves removing the lump and some of the tissue around it. Whether a lumpectomy is the right thing for you depends on the size of the lump, the size of your breast and your preference. If you have a partial mastectomy or lumpectomy you will almost always need radiotherapy afterwards.

Mastectomy

In a mastectomy, all the breast tissue is removed, including the nipple and areola. You may need a mastectomy rather than breast conservation surgery because the lump is large compared with the total size of your breast, you have multiple tumours, or because you would just prefer to have a mastectomy.

Axillary (armpit) Surgery

If you have an invasive breast cancer, your surgeon will recommend that some of your axillary lymph nodes (the glands under your armpit) be removed. This is so we can check whether the cancer has spread outside your breast. There are two types of procedure to remove axillary lymph nodes.

Sentinel Node Biopsy

When you have a sentinel node biopsy, you will receive an injection before the operation, which identifies the first lymph nodes the breast cancer might spread to. These few nodes will be removed for testing during your operation. A sentinel node biopsy minimizes the amount of surgery and lowers the risk of complications like lymphoedema, which causes swelling in your arm. But it is not suitable for all women, and your surgeon will discuss whether you should have one.

Axillary Clearance

This traditional operation to remove axillary lymph nodes for testing takes more nodes than a sentinel node biopsy. Your surgeon may recommend you have axillary clearance if your breast cancer is larger, or if there is evidence the cancer cells have spread to your sentinel lymph nodes.