Breast surgeries encompass a range of procedures aimed at addressing medical conditions that affect the breasts, such as breast cancer, benign tumors, infection, or developmental abnormalities. Breast surgeries are often critical steps in managing serious health concerns.

Breast Biopsy

Breast biopsy is a common outpatient procedure wherein a small sample of breast tissue is removed and sent to a lab for formal analysis.

The majority of breast biopsies are performed on women if their mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI reveals something suspicious. Alternatively, a doctor may recommend a breast biopsy for women who discover a hard or otherwise abnormal lump in one of their breasts. An unusual change in the nipple or areola may also warrant a breast biopsy.

Lumpectomy

A lumpectomy is surgery that removes abnormal tissue from the breast. It is commonly performed to treat breast cancer. It may remove noncancerous or precancerous abnormalities from breast tissue as well.

Lumpectomy is also known as breast-conserving surgery, wide local excision, excisional biopsy, or quadrantectomy. It is typically only an option during early-stage breast cancer, although it may also be used to rule out a cancer diagnosis.

Mastectomy

Mastectomy is a common surgical treatment for breast cancer that removes the entire breast. It may be performed when a lumpectomy would be insufficient to remove cancerous tissue. It may also be performed when the patient is at very high risk of breast cancer and would prefer to take every preventative measure available.

Several types of mastectomy are available. A simple mastectomy removes the entire breast and possibly some underarm lymph nodes as well. Modified radical mastectomy removes the entire breast plus lymph nodes.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

A sentinel lymph node biopsy is a procedure that is often performed at the time of lumpectomy or mastectomy. A “sentinel” lymph node is the first lymph node to which cancer cells are most likely to spread. It is often removed to identify the stage of breast cancer and helps determine whether the cancer is disposed to spread to other areas of the body. The procedure involves injecting a tracer dye into the breast at the time of surgery. The first lymph node that drains the breast (usually in the axilla) is then removed. If cancer is detected, the surgeon may remove additional lymph nodes.

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