Partial mastectomy, or lumpectomy, removes a cancerous tumor as well as a rim of normal tissue.
A partial mastectomy, also known as a lumpectomy removes some, but not all, of the breast tissue. Partial mastectomy is sometimes possible when the breast tumor is smaller and is an alternative to mastectomy. The ability to perform a partial mastectomy also depends on tumor location, breast size, genetic factors and the ability to receive radiation after surgery.
In a partial mastectomy, the cancerous tumor is removed, along with a clear margin of healthy tissue to ensure that the cancer does not return. The primary benefit of partial mastectomy is that some or even most of the breast tissue remains intact. The drawback of a partial mastectomy is that by leaving some breast tissue behind, there is the possibility that the cancer could return. To reduce this risk, radiation is usually give to the remaining breast tissue. Studies show equivalent survival for early stage breast cancer treated with either partial mastectomy and radiation or mastectomy. With partial mastectomy, the breast will still need annual imaging to assess for new abnormalities while with a mastectomy this is not required.
Breast reconstruction for partial mastectomy may only require smaller secondary procedures, such as fat grafting or a procedure on the opposite breast, in order to restore symmetry between the breasts. For larger tumors where more tissue is removed, oncoplastic surgery, which involve tissue replacement procedures, may be needed.
Procedures such as a breast lift, breast reduction, adding a small implant, or even natural tissue reconstruction can be used to help correct defects and bring balance to the breasts following a partial mastectomy.
Although the treatment varies from person to person, radiation therapy is very common after partial mastectomy or lumpectomy.
I didn’t have to take any pain medicine. It was just amazing. . . I had this major surgery and was home the next day.
I would 100% recommend Dr. Smith and just say there isn’t a better doctor out there for this.
I'm astonished. I am amazed at how Dr. Smith was able to create another breast for me from nothing.
Dr. Smith is the happy ending to this story. Everyone that I spoke to about him said, ‘you're in great hands.’
I can't believe I didn't feel any pain. I didn't really need any painkillers. Not at all.
He will always give you his best. He will help you to feel whole again. He will help you to feel like the person you were before.
I can tell you now 1,000% that I made the right decision...the way that they look, you cannot even see a scar.
I felt like this doctor is something. He has a good heart. He’s very gentle and very nice.
And I just knew how thorough he was, that he was prepared, that he was well informed, and that he knew his craft
Dr. Smith was very, very nice and friendly. He was very down to earth compared to some doctors. He's knowledgeable, of course. His credentials definitely spoke volumes.
He's even more impressive than I had first thought. He is very direct and he's smart. And he will explain things to you.
It's very important to me to have good bedside manner. And [Dr. Smith] took the time. He made me feel like he could do this 1-2-3, and I'd be good to go.
Get in touch to begin your comprehensive treatment plan and your journey back to complete wellness.
