Breast Cancer Surgery: What You Should Know

If a cancerous or pre-cancerous lesion is detected during a breast biopsy, a breast cancer surgery may be a recommended portion of your treatment. The following article discusses breast cancer surgery and the common questions patients often have about the procedure and the different treatment options. Bedford Breast Center offers comprehensive breast cancer care from a state-of-the-art Beverly Hills-based medical center.

For breast cancer patients, surgery will likely be a part of the treatment protocols. Breast cancer surgery may involve one or more of the following procedures:

• Removal of a cancerous mass and the surrounding tissue (lumpectomy)
• Removal of a cancerous mass and a portion of the breast (partial mastectomy)
• Removal of the breast tissue (mastectomy)
• Removal of both breasts tissue (double mastectomy)

The type of surgical procedure recommended will depend upon the type of breast cancer, it’s stage, any existing health concerns, and the patient’s personal preferences regarding treatment and recovery.

Why Breast Cancer Surgery is Performed

Breast cancer surgeries are performed to remove cancerous cells from breast tissue in an effort to remove tissue that is in danger of becoming cancerous. Patients who elect to have breast reconstruction will have a breast implant installed or have their own living tissue put in place of the tissue that was removed. Breast reconstruction surgery may be performed during the same surgery at our sister practice, Cassileth Plastic Surgery after the mastectomy portion is complete.

What to Expect After Breast Cancer Surgery

Post-surgery, you will likely spend the night in the hospital if you have undergone mastectomy or breast reconstruction. If you have undergone a lumpectomy, you may be allowed to return home the same day. Your blood pressure will be monitored, you will be given instructions about how to care for your surgical site, and will have the appropriate medications and pain relievers prescribed. Depending upon the stage of cancer that was addressed, additional treatments may be recommended. These include, but may not be limited, to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy.

What to discuss with your breast cancer surgeon

Engage with your breast cancer surgeon to have a better understanding of your treatment plan. When you have a clear understanding of your procedure and treatment options, you will be better equipped to manage your recovery.

Here are a few questions you should ask your breast cancer surgeon:

• Why is this treatment plan the best option for my case?
• What type of breast reconstruction do you recommend? Why?
• How long should my recovery take?

Bedford Breast Center: The Leading Breast Cancer Surgeons in Beverly Hills

At Bedford Breast Center, we take pride in providing the highest level of care to our diverse population of patients. To learn more about our mission, please visit our About Us section.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Leslie F. Memsic at the Bedford Breast Center, servicing Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and the greater Los Angeles area.