Treatment of Breast Cancer: Surgery and Chemotherapy

What is a mastectomy

A mastectomy is a breast removal operation. Over the years, there have been many points of view propounded regarding the extent of surgery required.

The classical procedure was known as a radical mastectomy in which the entire affected breast, the chest muscles underneath, and the lymph nodes under the arm are removed. Most surgeons now agree that this is necessary only in rare cases. The standard operation for most breast cancers is now the modified radical mastectomy or the total mastectomy. In this procedure, the chest wall muscles are not removed. The simple mastectomy involves the complete removal of the breast, but not the lymph nodes under the arms or the chest wall muscles.

What is lumpectomy

Lumpectomy, otherwise known as a segmental mastectomy, involves the local removal of the tumor. In this procedure, only a portion of the breast is removed, including the cancer and a surrounding margin of breast tissue.

Lumpectomy accompanied by removal of the underarm lymph nodes coupled with subsequent radiation therapy is the popular alternative to a modified radical mastectomy. Radiation therapy is used after surgery to eliminate any cancer cells that may remain.

When should you undergo surgery

Surgery can be performed immediately after a positive biopsy so that the patient can avoid having to undergo a second round of anaesthesia and another surgery. Nowadays, the trend is to have two separate surgeries so that the women have time to evaluate their treatment options and seek a second opinion if they so desire.

What is adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy)

This treatment involves the use of chemotherapy (anti-cancer drugs) and hormone therapy. The role of adjuvant therapy is the subject of much debate. This treatment is usually prescribed at more advanced stages of the disease. In the future, the use of early chemotherapy and hormone therapy may be an important factor in reducing the death rate from this disease.