Surgery

Lumpectomy

A breast conservation procedure, also known as a wide local excision or “partial” mastectomy. Radiation may be recommended after the procedure. This option is available to many early-stage breast cancer cases.

Mastectomy

A procedure to remove all the breast tissue.

Skin-Sparing Mastectomy

The envelope of skin around the breast is preserved to allow for immediate reconstruction.

Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy

In addition to saving the envelope of skin around the breast, the nipple and areola can also be preserved in select patients who qualify for this procedure.

Modified Radical Mastectomy

A procedure to remove all breast tissue and the axillary (underarm) lymph nodes.

Radical Mastectomy

An extensive operation that removes all breast tissue, axillary lymph nodes and the pectoral muscles under the breast (chest wall).

Lymph Node Surgery

The remove of one or more lymph nodes located under the armpit.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

Removal of the first few lymph nodes that drain the breast by injecting a dye and/or a radioisotope to map these lymph nodes at time of surgery.

Axillary Lymph Node Dissection

Removing an area of fat under the arm that contains multiple lymph nodes. “Levels I and II” are the standard groups of lymph nodes included.

IORT (intraoperative radiation therapy)

After a surgeon has removed a breast cancer tumor, a concentrated dose of radiation is applied to the area before the operation is completed. The location and size of a breast cancer tumor are two major factors to determine if an IORT procedure is recommended.

Breast Reconstruction

A plastic surgery option for women to rebuild the look and shape of their breast(s) after a breast cancer surgery.