Combining Cancer Control with Cosmetic Considerations
Breast conservation surgery—also known as a lumpectomy—is a treatment approach that removes the cancer while preserving the rest of the breast. This option is typically appropriate when the cancer is localized to a smaller area and clear surgical margins can be achieved without significant cosmetic impact.
Our surgeons work closely with plastic surgery partners when needed to support excellent cosmetic outcomes through oncoplastic techniques.
What Breast Conservation Surgery May Include
Lumpectomy
The tumor and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue are removed to ensure complete cancer excision. In most cases, this procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis. Preserving breast shape and appearance is a key part of planning.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy
For invasive cancers, a sentinel node biopsy is often performed during the same operation. A small number of lymph nodes are removed and tested to check whether cancer has spread beyond the breast. If no cancer is found, no further lymph node surgery is typically required.
Axillary Dissection (if needed)
If cancer is detected in the lymph nodes, additional nodes may be removed in a follow-up procedure called an axillary dissection. Your care team will discuss whether this step is necessary based on your diagnosis and current national guidelines.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is commonly recommended after lumpectomy to reduce the risk of cancer returning in the same breast. The type and timing of radiation is tailored to each patient’s specific diagnosis and will be discussed during your consultation with a radiation oncologist following surgery.
Systemic Therapy
Some patients benefit from systemic therapy—treatments that work throughout the body to destroy any remaining cancer cells. These may include:
Treatment decisions are made by your medical oncologist based on many factors: tumor size and grade, lymph node involvement, hormone and HER2 status, patient age, and more.
The Role of Genomic Testing
In many cases, we use genomic tests (like Oncotype DX) to evaluate how likely a cancer is to return and whether chemotherapy is likely to be beneficial. These tests analyze the tumor’s gene activity and provide critical guidance in creating a personalized treatment plan—helping patients and providers make more informed decisions about systemic therapy.
