Both lumpectomy and mastectomy effectively treat breast cancer, but the right choice depends on your diagnosis, personal preferences, and medical recommendations.
Dr. Elvira Klause, a board-certified breast surgeon in Laguna Hills, California, offers expert guidance to help you make the best decision for your health.
Her advanced surgical expertise and patient-centered approach ensure you receive the highest quality care tailored to your needs.
Today’s blog explores lumpectomy as a breast cancer treatment option and when it could be right for you.
A lumpectomy, or breast-conserving surgery, removes only the tumor and a small margin of healthy tissue around it. This approach allows you to keep most of your natural breast tissue. Most women combine lumpectomy with radiation therapy.
In contrast, a mastectomy is an aggressive approach that removes the entire breast and may be necessary for larger tumors, multiple areas of cancer, or higher-risk cases.
Every woman's situation is unique. Dr. Klause makes recommendations only after an exhaustive evaluation of your medical needs and a comprehensive discussion of your wishes and surgery goals.
A lumpectomy could be the right option if:
Dr. Klause can help you understand your options. She provides compassionate support when you need it most.
Lumpectomy offers excellent benefits for women with breast cancer, including:
A major benefit of a lumpectomy is that it allows you to keep most of your natural breast. Unlike a mastectomy, which removes the entire breast, a lumpectomy removes only the cancerous area and a small margin of healthy tissue.
This means you're more likely to retain breast shape and sensation, potentially leading to better cosmetic outcomes and improved emotional well-being.
Since a lumpectomy is a less invasive procedure than a mastectomy, the recovery time is typically much shorter. Most people can return to normal activities within a few weeks, compared to the longer healing period required for a mastectomy (often about twice as long.)
A quicker recovery allows you to move forward with additional treatments, such as radiation therapy, without prolonged downtime.
A lumpectomy is a less extensive surgery, meaning there is a lower risk of complications such as infection, excessive bleeding, or issues with wound healing.
Additionally, the surgery is often outpatient, so you can go home the same day and begin recovery in a familiar and comfortable environment.
Clinical trials and research studies have previously shown that a lumpectomy and mastectomy are equally successful treatments for early-stage breast cancer.
Many studies show comparable survival rates — and a recent meta-analysis showed a higher survival rate for lumpectomy with radiation versus mastectomy for women with early-stage breast cancer.
This means many women with early-stage breast cancer can achieve the same level of cancer control while preserving as much of their natural breast as possible.
If you're considering your breast cancer treatment options, Dr. Elvira Klause provides expert surgical care tailored to your needs. Call our office at 949-245-6910 to schedule your consultation.
