Breast Cancer Surgery in Houston

When it comes to breast cancer, surgery is often the first line of attack, which is usually followed by radiation therapy to destroy any remaining cancerous cells. The goal of breast cancer surgery is to remove the tumor itself, along with a portion of surrounding tissue, while still preserving as much of the breast as possible.

There are a variety of different breast cancer surgeries that may be used as treatment depending on the characteristics of the tumor and whether it has spread (metastasized). In addition, the patient’s own preferences and personal feelings play a role in the selection of breast cancer treatment options as well. A specific breast cancer surgery may be recommended to you based on tumor size, location or the type of breast cancer you have.

Below are some of the more common Houston breast cancer surgery options.

Lumpectomy – Also known as a partial mastectomy, a lumpectomy is a breast conserving procedure that aims to remove only the tumor itself and a small amount of surrounding tissue. Frequently, some of the lymph nodes under the arm are removed as well. These lymph nodes are then examined under a microscope to see if the cancer has spread, which will in turn determine the prognosis for the patient as they move forward. Examination of the lymph nodes helps when the determining the need for chemotherapy or the best type of chemotherapy to be given following breast cancer surgery. For those who opt for a lumpectomy, radiation treatment following the procedure can significantly reduce the recurrence rate. The amount of tissue removed during lumpectomy surgery will depend on the size of the abnormality. Lumpectomy plus radiation is often referred to as BCT (Breast Conserving Therapy).

Mastectomy – Commonly referred to as simple (or total) mastectomy, this procedure involves the removal of the whole breast. This type of breast cancer surgery is suitable for women with larger tumors or multiple areas of tumor growth within the breast. This type of surgery has become less intrusive over the years as techniques have become more refined and removal of the muscles underneath the breast is no longer required in most cases. There are a number of variations of this breast cancer surgery, including:

-      Modified Radical Mastectomy

-      Radical Mastectomy

-      Skin Sparing Mastectomy

-      Subcutaneous Mastectomy

In all breast cancer surgery, every effort is made to leave as much healthy skin intact as possible. Which breast cancer surgery you undergo in Houston will be contingent on a number of individual factors, including your overall health, type of cancer, tumor size and location, etc..

Breast Reconstruction After Breast Cancer Surgery

Regardless of which type of breast cancer surgery you undergo, you should discuss breast cancer reconstruction surgery with your doctor up front. Fully exploring your options for breast reconstruction before undergoing breast cancer surgery will empower you as a patient and help you better make an informed decision.

Discussing breast reconstruction options at the onset of your cancer treatment will help reduce any fear or concerns you may have about life after breast cancer surgery. Ideally, your breast cancer surgeon and breast plastic surgeon will collaborate to develop a plan that will yield the best possible results and put you in the best condition for reconstruction following your lumpectomy or mastectomy surgery.