Hello, I’m
Dr. Kenyon Meadows, board-certified radiation oncologist with
Southeast Georgia Health System Cancer Care Centers, and I’d like to take a few minutes today to discuss breast cancer
surgery. In this era of widespread mammography use, most women are diagnosed
with early-stage breast cancer and therefore have a choice of the type
of surgery they would like to have. The options include breast conservation
surgery, also called lumpectomy, or a mastectomy. Breast conservation
surgery preserves the breast, removing only the tumor and a rim of surrounding
normal tissue whereas mastectomy removes the entire breast.
While most women choose lumpectomy, the rates of breast conservation surgery
can vary significantly and are dependent on a number of factors, including
patient age, tumor stage, the physician’s surgical expertise and
training, or whether there is convenient access to a radiation facility
as most often radiation therapy is recommended after breast conservation surgery.
The decision between lumpectomy and mastectomy can sometimes be complex
and requires a detailed discussion with your doctor. We've included
some helpful links below. If you have any questions, submit them to me
in the comment box, and I’ll respond via email. Thanks!
Helpful links: