Most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer undergo some type of surgery. Whether it be to remove a tumor or to have a mastectomy, breast cancer surgery in Reading, PA is one of the most effective ways at removing breast cancer. Some women may need additional treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation to get rid of all the cancer.
The type of surgery a woman will need depends greatly on the size of the tumor and where it is located. If they can, doctors will do a partial mastectomy where they only remove a portion of the breast. If there is only a small lump, a lumpectomy may be all that is needed to remove the cancer. In Fact, for many women with stage one or stage two breast cancer, a lumpectomy or partial mastectomy plus radiation is very effective at getting rid of the breast cancer. Some women may not need the radiation but a doctor will decide what the best method of destroying the cancer is.
Even though breast cancer surgery in Reading, PA is very effective at removing cancer, there are some side effects that can happen due to the operation. They include pain, swelling, tenderness, bleeding and infection. The more breast that is removed, the more likely you will notice a size difference in the shape. If your breasts look different after surgery and you are uncomfortable with the appearance of your breast, you may be able to have reconstructive surgery. It is also possible to have reconstructive surgery done during the partial mastectomy. Talk to your doctor to find out what your options may be.
If the cancer is advanced and affects the entire breast and breast tissue, a type of breast cancer surgery in Reading, PA called a mastectomy may be necessary. During a mastectomy, the entire breast is removed. This includes the nipple but it does not include removal of the lymph nodes or muscle tissue under the arm. If both breasts have to be removed, this is called a double mastectomy. Some women who are at a high risk for breast cancer will choose to have both breasts removed as a preventative measure. For women who plan to have immediate reconstruction on their breast, a skin sparing mastectomy is done. This is where most of the skin over the breast is left intact to allow for reconstruction. However, if the tumor is too large or too close to the skin’s surface, this may not be an option.
If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, the doctor will be able to tell you what your best plan of action is to treat the cancer. When caught early, breast cancer has a high survival rate. That is why it’s so important to have yearly mammograms. This can help detect breast cancer and catch it in it’s earliest stages.
