BREAST SURGERY

Each patient should play an ACTIVE role in selecting the appropriate surgical treatment with the Consultant. Studies have shown that removal of the whole breast (mastectomy) does not prolong life when compared with complete removal of the cancer lump alone (lumpectomy). As lumpectomy preserves more of the breast, it is ASSOCIATED with a better body image compared with total mastectomy.

If you have a successful lumpectomy i.e. the lump was completely excised with clear MARGINS then radiotherapy to the whole breast is usually required. In some cases (approximately one third) skin sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction is the preferred treatment option.