Surgical options

For most patients with breast cancer, surgery is part of the treatment process.  Our breast surgeons and surgical oncology teams have significant experience in performing surgical procedures for many types of breast cancer, including inflammatory and invasive disease. We have the expertise and capabilities to treat advanced breast tumors and perform the latest breast reconstruction techniques, including reconstructive microsurgery. 

Some surgical options available to breast cancer patients at City of Hope include:

Breast conservation therapy (lumpectomy)

Breast-conserving surgery, or lumpectomy, allows the patient to keep the breast. During this procedure, the tumor and some of the surrounding tissue is removed from the breast. A lumpectomy differs from a mastectomy, which removes the entire breast.

Mastectomy

If breast-conserving surgery is not a viable option, a mastectomy may be recommended. A mastectomy involves the surgical removal of all of the breast tissue. There are several different types of mastectomies, and in many instances much of the breast skin and even the nipple can be spared. Women who have multiple areas of cancer and/or large tumors relative to the size of the breast may be advised to have a mastectomy. Women with certain genetic mutations (BRCA1 or BRCA2) may also be recommended for a mastectomy. Your breast surgeon will guide you through the decision-making process. 

Sentinel lymph node biopsy

Your surgeon may recommend an axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy as part of your breast cancer surgery. During this procedure, a dye is injected into the breast. The surgeon makes a small incision under the arm to identify and remove the first lymph nodes under the arm (axilla). A pathologist then examines the lymph node to determine whether the cancer is present. If present, your surgeon may remove additional lymph nodes. If not, no additional nodes are removed.

Reconstructive surgery

City of Hope offers a wide array of breast reconstruction procedures. Our reconstructive surgeons evaluate each patient to understand her expectations and goals, then discuss the options available to meet those goals. Breast reconstruction is divided into two general categories:

Implant-based reconstruction: This technique uses a silicone gel implant to create the breast mound. At City of Hope our surgeons commonly use the prepectoral reconstruction technique, leaving the muscles attached to the chest wall and placing the implant above them, similar to a natural breast. This procedure reduces post-operative pain and recovery time. Often, implants can be placed at the same time as the mastectomy procedure.

Autologous reconstruction: Using the patient's own tissue is another approach for building a new breast. In this procedure, tissue is transplanted from an area of the body to create the reconstructed breast. The tissue (called a flap) may be removed from the lower abdomen, back, buttock or inner thigh.