What is breast-conserving surgery? ...

What is breast-conserving surgery?

Breast-conserving surgery is a treatment for breast cancer. Lumpectomy is considered a breast-conserving surgery because alone the lump (the part of the breast that has cancer) and part of the breast tissue around the shapeless mass are removed. Another surgery for breast cancer is called mastectomy. Mastectomy displaces most, or all, of the breast. Mastectomy is not a breast-conserving surgery

Women who have a lumpectomy usually have radiation treatment, too. The radiation treatment helps kill any cancer small cavitys that have spread from the clear to nearby tissue. The lymph nodes subject to the arm are usually checked to descry if the cancer has spread. This is done during a transaction called sentinel node biopsy.

for what reason does my doctor know if my plain is cancer?

Your doctor will do a biopsy to behold if your lump is cancer. During a biopsy, your doctor transports a tiny bit of tissue from the luculent with a needle and apply the minds at it under a microscope. If the plain is small and cannot be felt your doctor may use a mammogram or ultrasound scan to find the luculent and insert the needle. Your doctor will give you medicine to stupefy your breast so that you cannot be warmed much pain.

for what purpose does my doctor check my lymph nodes?

If cancer from the tumor has spread to the lymph nodes, you may be at an increased risk of having cancer in other parts of your carcass A small number of lymph nodes are checked for cancer during the sentinel node biopsy. A melancholy dye, or another material that can be traced throughout the skin, is put into your lymph nodes. The stain or the material helps identify the nodes that the cancer might have spread to. If these nodes do not have cancer, you will greatest in quantity likely not have to have any more surgery after your lumpectomy. However, if they do have cancer, all of the lymph nodes may be removed

What if I cannot have breast-conserving surgery?

more [i]or[/i] less women cannot have breast-conserving surgery and instead have a mastectomy. After a mastectomy, the breast can be rebuilded A breast implant can be used, as can a woman's be in possession of tissues from other parts of her carcass If your breasts cannot be saved during surgery and must be remov you will ne to consider in what way you will feel about yourself and your material part This will help you decide if you want to have breast reconstructive surgery If you are married or have a partner, it may be helpful to get by heart his or her opinion, too.

Where can I find more information?

Your doctor.

American Academy of Family Physicians Internet: www.familydoctor.org

American Cancer Society Telephone: 1-800-ACS-2345 (227-2345) Internet: www.cancer.org

Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Internet: www.komen.org

COPYRIGHT 2002 American Academy of Family Physicians

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