For those afflicted with breast cancer, surgery is used to remove tumors as a part of more comprehensive cancer treatment. At Surgical Associates of Marshall County, our expert surgeons specialize in safe and effective methods of breast surgery with a focus on eliminating cancerous tissue while conserving as much of the breast as possible.
Breast cancer results from abnormal growths in the tissue of the breast. The most common form is ductal carcinoma, which forms in the ducts that transport milk from the breast to the nipple, while the less common lobular carcinoma starts in the milk-producing lobules of the breast.
Because breast cancer typically does not produce symptoms, especially in the early stages, regular examinations are important to ensure that the breasts are cancer-free. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it may indicate that you need additional screening for breast cancer:
When breast cancer is discovered, the type of surgery performed will depend on the extent of the disease’s spread and severity.
Most individuals receive a combination of treatments and may be given a choice between needle biopsy, lumpectomy and mastectomy. Your surgeon can help you decide which surgical option will be best for you.
Anesthesia is typically used for breast surgery, which means that you will unable to feel pain throughout the procedure. The length of your recovery and hospital stay will depend largely on the operation performed. Needle biopsies and lumpectomies are often be completed in an outpatient setting, while mastectomy typically requires a one to two night hospital stay. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions to aid in your recovery.