Making the Decision to Have Breast-Conserving Surgery

Breast-conserving surgery may be right for you if you have any of these stages of cancer:

• Stage 0, meaning you don't have a tumor but you have ductal carcinoma in situ.

• Stage I, meaning you don't have cancer cells in your lymph nodes, or it is in only a few nodes, and the tumor is less than 2 cm.

• Stage II, meaning the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes under your arm and/or the tumor is 2 to 5 cm across.

• Stage IIIA, meaning the tumor is less than 5 cm across and the cancer in your underarm lymph nodes is extensive or has spread to other nodes or tissues near the breast.

In some cases, breast-conserving surgery is an option for women with Stage IIIB or IIIC cancers as well.

Many women prefer this type of surgery to having their whole breast removed with a mastectomy. Radiation treatment is strongly recommended afterward; however, this is sometimes true after a mastectomy, too. Deciding whether to have breast-conserving surgery also depends on these factors:

• Size and location of your tumor

• Size of your breast

• Certain features of your mammogram

• How you feel about preserving your breast

Keep in mind that even if you are able to have breast-conserving surgery, you can still choose to have a mastectomy. Also know that if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes, you will have to have them removed. 

Breast-conserving surgery with radiation therapy has been shown to be as effective as a mastectomy for Stage I and Stage II breast cancer. Discuss your options with your doctor.

Schedule a Mamogram at Richmond University Medical Center

Early detection and treatment is the best strategy for a better cancer outcome. Schedule your mamogram at RUMC: Call 718-818-3280.

Kathy Giovinazzo is Director of Radiology at Richmond University Medical Center.

For More Information

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Thomas Forlenza at 718-816-4949. His office is located at 1366 Victory Blvd on Staten Island.

Dr. Forlenza is the Director of Oncology at Richomd University Medical Center.