Lumpectomy or Mastectomy: Which Is Best for Your Condition?

Are you dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis? It’s normal to wonder which breast surgery is best for your needs. Both lumpectomy and mastectomy aim to remove cancerous tissue, but there are a few key differences between the two.

Elvira Klause, MD, FACS, specializes in oncology procedures in Laguna Hills, California, and our team is here to help you make an informed treatment decision. 

Here’s what you need to know about the differences between lumpectomy and mastectomy and how to decide which approach is best for your condition.

Lumpectomy vs. mastectomy

Lumpectomy and mastectomy are two of the most common breast cancer surgeries, and it’s important to understand how each method works.

Lumpectomy 

Lumpectomy involves removing the cancerous tumor along with a small, surrounding margin of healthy tissue. Since it’s a smaller surgical intervention compared to mastectomy, lumpectomy is often called breast-conserving surgery.

Lumpectomy may be the best option for you if you have early-stage breast cancer. Dr. Klause considers factors like tumor size, location, and your overall breast size to determine if you’re a good candidate. 

If you get a lumpectomy, Dr. Klause often recommends radiation therapy after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells.

Mastectomy

Mastectomy involves removing all of your breast tissue. Depending on your situation, breast reconstruction surgery might be an option along with mastectomy to restore the appearance of your breast.

Dr. Klause may recommend mastectomy if you have a large cancerous tumor, multiple tumors, or a high genetic risk of breast cancer. Since mastectomy removes all breast tissue, it provides a more definitive approach to eliminate cancer.

Which breast surgery technique is right for you?

Breast cancer surgery is a major procedure, and Dr. Klause considers all of the most important factors to help you determine which option is best for you.

She starts by reviewing your medical history and your diagnosis, weighing factors like the stage of cancer, tumor size, tumor location, and any breast cancer-related genetic mutations you have. She talks with you about your personal preferences in an open and detailed discussion.

As you make your decision, we can provide you with detailed information about the benefits, risks, and potential outcomes associated with each approach. 

Lumpectomy is a simpler surgical procedure, but it’s often followed by radiation treatment. Mastectomy, on the other hand, is more complex, but offers more comprehensive cancer removal.

If you’re considering mastectomy, take breast reconstruction into account, too. Breast reconstruction can restore the shape, size, and appearance of your breast after mastectomy.

The choice between lumpectomy and mastectomy is significant, and you don’t have to navigate the decision alone. We consider your specific situation, and we’re here to empower you to make the choice that‘s best for you.

Schedule your breast surgery consultation with Dr. Klause online or call our Laguna Hills, California, office at 949-245-6910 to get started.