Breast Cancer Surgery
For many women diagnosed with breast cancer, surgery is one of the first steps in the treatment process. The SCRI Oncology Partners breast surgeon and one of our medical oncologists who specializes in breast cancer will develop a personalized breast cancer treatment plan tailored to each patient. They will consider tumor size and location, cancer stage, hormone receptors, HER2 status, and other biomarkers when selecting the treatment plan they believe will work best.
Our breast surgeon will then meet with you to review the recommended surgical approach and your preferences for reconstruction, if needed. You will have a separate consultation with the medical oncologist, who will discuss the other treatments included in your recommended plan.
Meet Our Breast Cancer Surgeon: Dr. Mark Cooper
At SCRI Oncology Partners, breast cancer surgeries are performed by our experienced, board-certified breast surgeon who takes time to discuss your surgical options and your preferences for reconstruction. He specializes in performing oncoplastic procedures that help reduce scarring and, whenever possible, preserve the nipple. He works closely with our medical oncologists to determine the right timing for surgery as part of the overall treatment plan.
Lumpectomy
Breast-conserving surgery that removes only the breast tumor and some of the surrounding tissue
Breast Cancer Surgery FAQs
Get answers to commonly asked questions about breast cancer surgery
Mastectomy
Surgery to remove the entire breast, preserving the nipple when possible, and preparing for reconstruction
Types of Breast Cancer Surgery
The SCRI Oncology Partners breast surgeon uses oncoplastic surgical techniques to preserve the natural look of the breast whenever possible. Dr. Cooper will recommend the type of surgery that would be best for you. Feel free to ask questions so that you feel comfortable with your path forward. There are two standard procedures for breast cancer: lumpectomy and mastectomy. We’ll look at how they’re different and when they’re used.
Lumpectomy: Breast-Conserving Surgery
Breast-conserving surgery, also known as a lumpectomy, focuses on removing the tumor while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible. A lymph node biopsy may also be performed as part of this procedure to check for possible cancer spread. The amount of tissue removed depends on the tumor’s size and location. Because the breast remains intact with this type of surgery, our surgeon uses techniques that provide a natural-looking result.
Oncoplastic Lumpectomy
An oncoplastic lumpectomy combines surgery with reconstructive techniques to improve the breast’s appearance. In many cases, the nipple can be preserved. The surgeon can reshape the breast, maintain symmetry, and reduce visible scarring after removing the cancer.
Oncoplastic techniques may be used to:
- Prevent or reduce indentations in the breast
- Place scars in discreet or less visible locations (known as “hidden scar” approaches)
- Combine cancer removal with a breast lift, reduction, or both
If necessary, adjustments to the other breast can be made to achieve a balanced appearance.
Oncoplastic lumpectomy is not recommended for some patients, such as
- The tumor is large, or there are multiple tumors
- Patients with inflammatory breast cancer
- Genetic test results show that the cancer has a high likelihood of recurrence
Preparing for Radiation Therapy After a Lumpectomy
After tumor removal, surgical markers may be placed in the breast to help the radiation oncologist target any microscopic cancer cells that may remain. It clearly marks the exact location for follow-up radiation therapy treatment.
Mastectomy: Breast Removal Surgery
A mastectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of an entire breast and may be recommended based on your specific diagnosis of breast cancer. Several techniques for mastectomy are available, and your surgeon will help you choose the most effective option.
Total Mastectomy
This procedure removes the breast tissue, nipple, areola, fascia (the covering of the chest wall muscle), and skin. As a result of this surgery, patients typically have a flat chest on the side where the breast was removed. If you wish to “go flat,” which means you won’t have breast reconstruction surgery, discuss this with the surgeon beforehand so they can close the surgery differently than if reconstruction will be performed.
Nipple-Sparing and Skin-Sparing Mastectomy
Another aspect of oncoplastic breast surgery is using nipple-sparing and skin-sparing techniques. This procedure is recommended whenever possible, allowing women to keep more of their own breast tissue and sensation, which provides cosmetic and emotional benefits.
- A skin-sparing mastectomy removes the nipple and areola along with the breast, but only a small amount of skin is taken.
- A nipple-sparing mastectomy preserves the nipple, areola, and surrounding skin.
Incisions are strategically placed to minimize visible scarring after healing. This helps to maintain as much of the female form and sensation as possible and can be repositioned if you have breast reconstruction surgery at a later time.
Modified Radical Mastectomy
If test results show that cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, this surgery combines a total mastectomy with an axillary lymph node dissection. An axillary lymph node dissection involves removing lymph nodes from the armpit (axilla). Our SCRI Oncology Partners surgeon uses a technique called axillary reverse lymphatic mapping, which identifies lymph nodes that drain to the arm to help reduce side effects such as lymphedema.
Risk-Reduction Mastectomy
A risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM), also known as prophylactic mastectomy (PM), may be recommended for individuals at high risk for developing breast cancer or breast cancer recurrence. This includes women with a strong family history of breast cancer or gene mutation carriers, such as those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. This surgical procedure involves removing one or both of the breasts.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
A sentinel lymph node biopsy is a surgical procedure that may also be performed at the same time as a lumpectomy or mastectomy to determine whether cancer has spread beyond the breast and into nearby lymph nodes. Only a few nearby lymph nodes, including the one draining from the breast cancer, are removed and tested. The results from this test help determine the stage of cancer and guide treatment planning.
Considering Reconstruction Options Before Undergoing Breast Cancer Surgery
While breast cancer surgeons typically do not place implants at the time of the breast cancer removal, they work closely with plastic surgeons to prepare for possible future reconstruction if desired. Advanced oncoplastic techniques may be utilized during cancer removal to support future reconstructive procedures.
Some women choose to undergo reconstruction while others prefer to “go flat” or use a breast form (prosthesis). It is essential to discuss your preferences before breast cancer surgery, as they can influence the techniques and incisions used. Your surgeon will explain the limits, risks, and benefits of each option to help you make the best decision for yourself.
Advanced Breast Cancer Surgery at SCRI Oncology Partners
If you were recently diagnosed with breast cancer and you’re located in the Nashville or Middle Tennessee area, schedule a consultation with our team. You will meet with the breast cancer surgeon and our medical oncologist to find out what is recommended for your specific needs.
SCRI Oncology Partners offers personalized treatment plans, access to advanced surgical techniques, and second opinions for patients in and around Nashville, Tennessee.
Breast Cancer Surgery FAQs
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We’re here when you need us
If you were recently diagnosed or would like a second opinion, request an appointment with one of our experienced cancer doctors right here in Nashville.
We’re here when you need us
If you were recently diagnosed or would like a second opinion, request an appointment with one of our experienced cancer doctors right here in Nashville.
We’re here when you need us
If you were recently diagnosed or would like a second opinion, request an appointment with one of our experienced cancer doctors right here in Nashville.