Different types of surgical treatment are now available and it is important to discuss with your doctor and breast cancer nurse all the possible types of operation that are appropriate in your case, including breast reconstruction:

Lumpectomy and wide local excision – These are common types of operations which involve the removal of the lump and a small amount of the surrounding normal tissue, leaving the remainder of the breast intact.

Mastectomy –  In cases where the lump is larger, or if a mammogram has detected abnormal changes in the breast, it is possible that the breast may be removed completely. This operation is known as mastectomy.

Lymph gland removal –  This operation is usually performed at the same time as breast surgery and is used to remove lymph nodes (or lymph glands) from your armpit. The glands are then examined closely under a microscope to help the doctor to decide if any breast cancer has spread to them or not. The number of lymph glands with cancer cells in them gives an indication of whether the cancer is likely to have spread further around the body.

Breast reconstruction –   Nowadays, it is often possible for women to have their breasts reshaped after a mastectomy. Sometimes breast reconstruction is done at the same time as a mastectomy but in some circumstances it may be done at a later date.

For a more detailed overview of surgical procedures click here