If you have breast cancer, your oncology doctor may recommend that you have a lumpectomy. A lumpectomy is exactly what it sounds like, which is the removal of a lump of cancerous tissue – a surgery where your surgeon removes the tumor and not the full breast.
A lumpectomy is much less invasive than a full mastectomy, and the recovery is easier and quicker. Let’s talk about some of the reasons why your doctor might recommend a lumpectomy to treat your breast cancer, and where you can go for an evaluation or a second opinion.
Removal of Stage I Breast Cancer
If you have stage I breast cancer, the cancer is still contained in your breast and has not metastasized (spread) to other tissues. Generally, your physician will recommend a lumpectomy if your tumor is less than 2 centimeters in width.
Treatment of Stage II Breast Cancer
If you have stage II breast cancer, your doctor may recommend a lumpectomy if your tumor is less than five centimeters in width. You will also be treated with radiation therapy as a follow-on treatment.
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ
Ductal carcinoma in situ is when your milk ducts have cancer in them. Specifically, it means that the cancer hasn’t spread beyond the lining of your milk ducts into the neighboring breast cells. Doctors consider this early-stage cancer, so a lumpectomy may be an appropriate and effective treatment.
Small Tumor Compared to Breast Size
Your doctor will evaluate the size of the tumor relative to the size of your breast when determining surgical treatment. Your physician will want the tumor to be relatively small in comparison to your breast size before a lumpectomy is recommended.
After Chemotherapy
Your surgeon may advise you to receive chemotherapy before you undergo a lumpectomy. The treatment will help to shrink the tumor, so your surgeon will have to remove less breast tissue during surgery. Having pre-surgery chemo may also make it possible to receive a lumpectomy rather than a mastectomy.
After Your First Lumpectomy
Sometimes, you may need to have a second lumpectomy after your first one. The surgeon will use the same incision from your first surgery to remove any new cancerous tissue, and this is done in order to minimize scarring.
Oncology for Breast Cancer Treatment in Sarasota, FL
Here at Intercoastal Medical Group, we have a comprehensive oncology team that can efficiently and effectively diagnose and treat your cancer. We have convenient locations across the greater Sarasota and Bradenton area.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at our location near you or by filling out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you enjoy a long life.
