Breast Surgery
Surgery is often a treatment option for breast cancer patients. While not all patients are candidates, as circumstances differ for each patient, surgery can be an option for many and provide effective results.
Procedures
- Nipple sparing mastectomy: Removal of all breast tissue without removal of the skin, nipple, or areola (dark skin around the nipple). In most cases, breast reconstruction may be an option at the time of nipple-sparing mastectomy
- Lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery): Removal of the area of cancer, while preserving the remainder of breast tissue.
- Simple mastectomy (unilateral or bilateral): Removal of breast tissue, skin, nipple, and areola. In most cases, breast reconstruction may be an option at the time of mastectomy.
- Modified radical mastectomy: Removal of breast tissue, skin, nipple, areola, and most axillary lymph nodes on the side(s) of the cancer. In most cases, breast reconstruction may be an option at the time of mastectomy.
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy: Identification and removal of the first-draining lymph nodes (sentinel nodes) on the side of the cancer to determine whether cancer cells have spread from the primary tumor.
- Axillary lymph node dissection: Removal of lymph nodes in levels I and II of the axilla (armpit).
- Hidden scar surgery: Used for nipple-sparing mastectomy and (in some cases) lumpectomy, the surgical incision is made in an area where the scar will be minimally visible once healed.
- Core needle biopsy: A needle is used to obtain a small sample of tissue for testing. This is done using local anesthesia.
- Punch biopsy: A small cutting tool is used to obtain a sample of superficial tissue for testing. This is done using local anesthesia.
- Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration: Using an ultrasound for guidance, a small needle is used to drain a fluid collection. Samples are sometimes sent for additional testing. This is done using local anesthesia.
Wireless Localization for Breast Surgery