From an interview with
Dr. Amy Murrell
PeeDee Surgical Group

Most women with breast cancer have some type of surgery as part of their treatment. There are different types of breast surgery, and they may be done for different reasons, depending on the situation. General surgeon Dr. Amy Murrells explains:

“When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, surgery is usually the first line of treatment. Surgical options range from a lumpectomy to a mastectomy.

A lumpectomy, also known as breast conserving surgery (BCS), involves removing the tumor and a small amount of normal tissue surrounding it. This procedure is often followed by radiation therapy. Patients who choose this procedure have minimal pain in recovery and return to normal quickly.

If the cancer is more advanced, or the patient prefers, a mastectomy may be performed to remove the entire breast. Breast reconstruction is usually performed for women who undergo a mastectomy.”

Many women having surgery for breast cancer might have the option of breast reconstruction. A woman who chooses to have a mastectomy might want to consider having the breast mound rebuilt to restore the breast’s appearance after surgery. In some breast-conserving surgeries, a woman may consider having fat grafted into the affected breast to correct any dimples left from the surgery. The options will depend on each woman’s situation.

There are several types of reconstructive surgery, but your options depend on your medical situation and personal preferences. You may have a choice between having breast reconstruction at the same time as the breast cancer surgery (immediate reconstruction) or at a later time (delayed reconstruction).

If you are thinking about having reconstructive surgery, you should discuss it with your breast surgeon and a plastic surgeon before your mastectomy or BCS. This gives the surgical team time to plan out the treatment options that might be best for you, even if you wait and have the reconstructive surgery later.

If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, let the nationally-accredited and recognized breast center at McLeod Health guide you through for the best possible outcome.

To learn more, speak with a general surgeon near you.