Breast Cancer Surgery (Conservative) - DRHC Dubai Breast Cancer Unit

An option for women with early-stage cancer

Introduction:

• For most women suffering from breast cancer, the very thought of undergoing a surgical treatment that aims to remove their entire breasts can be extremely depressing. However, most patients are unaware of the fact that in case the tumor is detected in its early stages, they might not have to bear the brunt of this physical disfigurement.
• This is because women suffering from early-stage breast cancer might be treated with breast-conservative surgery, which is also popularly by the name as lumpectomy. This can prove to be a major confidence booster for the females as they can be treated for the deadly disease without having to sacrifice their vital body organs.

What is Breast Conservative Surgery?

• Upon being told about breast-conservative surgery, the first question that most people ask is, What is it? Put in the simplest terms, the procedure is essentially aimed at removing the cancer along with a part of the normal tissue, while leaving as much of the breast intact as possible.
• Although most females undergoing this surgical procedure might have to put up with some form of indentation in the breast, the doctors performing the procedure try their best to maintain the overall shape and symmetry of the organ.
• In most cases, females who undergo this surgical procedure will also be required to undergo radiation therapy to ensure complete annihilation of the cancer cells.
• What is most important, however, is that opting for lumpectomy over mastectomy does not affect the chances of complete recovery of the patients from the disease or their long-term survival.

Who needs a Lumpectomy and why?

• Having learned about what a lumpectomy is, most women next ask at what stage they need this surgery. The answer to that is that the procedure might be required for females who have been detected with breast cancer that is still in stage I or II.
• The surgery will not only help to remove the malignancy and enable the patients to lead a long and healthy life, but will also keep a majority of their vital body organs intact.
• However, not all females suffering from breast cancer can undergo lumpectomy. In general, women who have a small-sized single tumor or even multiple tumors that are located close together are considered to be the best candidates for this method of treatment.
• In addition, this treatment procedure might also be recommended to females who might not have undergone radiation therapy or lumpectomy earlier. However, pregnant women or women suffering from serious connective tissue diseases are least likely to be advised of this type of surgery.