Surgery for Breast Cancer

breast cancer surgery options

Surgery is often a key part of breast cancer treatment. The goal is to remove cancer safely while preserving your health, comfort, and confidence. At CHRISTUS Health, your surgical plan is personalized by a multidisciplinary team that includes breast surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, nurse navigators, and rehabilitation specialists.

Talk With a Surgeon

We’ll walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you choose the surgery that aligns with your diagnosis and goals.

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Common Types of Breast Surgery

Lumpectomy (Breast-Conserving Surgery)

The surgeon removes the tumor and a small rim of normal tissue (the “margin”). Most patients have radiation therapy afterward to lower the risk of recurrence while preserving the breast.

Mastectomy

The surgeon removes all breast tissue. Options include total/simple mastectomy and, for selected cases, nipple-sparing mastectomy. Many patients can choose immediate or delayed breast reconstruction.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

A small number of “sentinel” nodes under the arm are sampled to see if cancer has spread. If these nodes are clear, no further node surgery is usually needed.

Axillary Lymph Node Dissection

If cancer is found in multiple nodes, additional lymph nodes may be removed to guide treatment. Your team will discuss steps to lower lymphedema risk and support recovery.

Continue Learning About Breast Cancer Treatments

Breast Cancer Surgeries

What You Need to Know about Breast Cancer Surgeries

Learn about various procedures, including breast conservation (lumpectomy), various mastectomy types (simple, modified radical, skin-sparing, nipple-sparing), and prophylactic surgery. Understand what to expect during the procedure, recovery, and why your treatment plan is unique to you.

Explore Your Options

Oncoplastic & Reconstruction Options

Surgical planning can include techniques that maintain or restore breast shape:

  • Oncoplastic lumpectomy: Combines cancer removal with plastic surgery techniques to improve cosmetic outcome.
  • Breast reconstruction: Implant-based or autologous (your own tissue) options, performed immediately or later, depending on your plan.

Your surgeon will coordinate with a reconstructive specialist so your cosmetic goals and cancer care align.

Before Surgery: Planning Your Care

  • Imaging review: Mammogram, ultrasound, and/or MRI help map the tumor and plan the operation.
  • Localization: If the tumor is not palpable, a wire/seed marker may be placed to guide precise removal.
  • Genetic and pathology insights: Results (ER/PR, HER2, grade) can influence surgical and medical therapy choices.

What to Expect After Surgery

  • Same-day or overnight: Many lumpectomies are outpatient; mastectomies may require a short stay.
  • Discomfort & mobility: Soreness is common. Gentle arm exercises and physical therapy can aid recovery.
  • Pathology report: Final results typically arrive within several days and confirm margins and lymph node status.
  • Next steps: Your team will review whether you’ll benefit from radiation, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy.

Reducing Risks & Supporting Recovery

  • Lymphedema prevention: Education, early physical therapy, and compression strategies can help reduce arm swelling risk.
  • Pain control: Multimodal pain management aims to minimize opioid use while keeping you comfortable.
  • Scar care & sensation: Your team will discuss scar care, potential changes in sensation, and healing timelines.
  • Whole-person support: Nutrition counseling, emotional and spiritual care, and survivorship resources are available.

Talk With a Surgeon

We’ll walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you choose the surgery that aligns with your diagnosis and goals.