Breast Cancer Surgery Overview
Surgery is done to remove cancer while it's still in the breast. This article is a brief introduction.
Breast Cancer Surgery Overview
Lumpectomy (Breast-Conserving Surgery)
Get a brief description and see an illustration of a lumpectomy, also called breast-conserving surgery.
Lumpectomy (Breast-Conserving Surgery)
Partial Mastectomy
A partial mastectomy is more extensive than a lumpectomy, without removing the whole breast. See a drawing and read a short description of the procedure.
Partial Mastectomy
Total Mastectomy
In a total mastectomy, the entire breast is removed. Read a short description and see an illustration of it.
Total Mastectomy
Radical Mastectomy
Besides removing the breast, radical mastectomy is no longer performed surgery that also takes out lymph nodes in the armpit and part of the chest wall. See a drawing of the area covered and read a short description.
Radical Mastectomy
Modified Radical Mastectomy
During a modified radical mastectomy, the surgeon removes the breast (including the skin, breast tissue, areola, and nipple) and most of the lymph nodes under the arm. This surgery is now performed instead of a radical mastectomy as it has proven to be equally as effective and less disfiguring. Learn more about how this surgery is performed.
Modified Radical Mastectomy
