Breast cancer • Mastectomy • Lumpectomy

 Breast cancer treatment often involves surgical options such as mastectomy and lumpectomy. Here's a brief overview of each:

### Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a disease where malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. It can occur in both men and women, but it is far more common in women.

### Mastectomy

A mastectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or both breasts, partially or completely. This surgery is usually performed to treat or prevent breast cancer. There are different types of mastectomy, including:

- **Total (simple) mastectomy**: Removal of the entire breast.

- **Modified radical mastectomy**: Removal of the entire breast and some of the lymph nodes under the arm.

- **Radical mastectomy**: Removal of the breast, chest wall muscles, and all of the lymph nodes under the arm. This is rarely performed today.

- **Skin-sparing mastectomy**: Removal of the breast tissue, nipple, and areola, but most of the skin over the breast is saved.

- **Nipple-sparing mastectomy**: Removal of the breast tissue but preservation of the nipple and skin.

### Lumpectomy

A lumpectomy, also known as breast-conserving surgery or partial mastectomy, involves the removal of the tumor and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue. This procedure aims to conserve as much of the breast as possible. It's often followed by radiation therapy to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

### Choosing Between Mastectomy and Lumpectomy

The choice between mastectomy and lumpectomy depends on various factors, including:

- The size and location of the tumor.

- The size of the breast.

- Whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

- Genetic factors and family history.

- The patient's preference and overall health.

Both options can be effective, and the decision is typically made after careful consideration and consultation with a healthcare team.

Would you like more detailed information on any of these topics, or do you have specific questions?