Choosing Between Lumpectomy and Mastectomy
Considering Options and Working with Your Doctor
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing between lumpectomy (also called breast-conserving surgery, or BCS) and mastectomy. Before deciding, take time to talk with your care team. Your doctor will walk you through the options based on your diagnosis, medical history, and treatment goals.
What’s the Difference?
Lumpectomy
- Lumpectomy removes the cancer and a small rim of surrounding tissue but leaves most of the breast intact.
- Often followed by radiation to help prevent the cancer from coming back.
Mastectomy
- Mastectomy removes the entire breast.
- In some cases of early-stage breast cancer, it may mean radiation isn’t needed — but not always.
Things to Consider
Long-term survival outcomes are similar between lumpectomy and mastectomy. There is also no significant difference in local recurrence rates for most individuals.
A Mastectomy May Be Recommended If:
- The tumor is large in relation to your breast size
- There is cancer in multiple areas of the breast
- You’ve had radiation in the past or cannot have radiation
- You have certain genetic or medical factors
- You’ve been diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC)
Equal Survival, Different Paths
Things to know if lumpectomy is on the table:
Survival Rates
Survival rates are the same for people who choose lumpectomy with radiation compared to those who choose mastectomy.
Risk of Recurrence
More extensive surgery doesn’t lower your risk of recurrence or improve long-term outcomes for most early-stage breast cancers.
Safety
Advances in imaging, surgical precision, and pathologists’ assessments of the edges help ensure tumors are removed safely and effectively.
Appearance
People are not necessarily happier with the appearance of the breast after mastectomy and reconstruction versus a lumpectomy. Having a breast reconstruction looks very different than when someone has an implant placed to supplement their breast.
You and Your Surgeon Are a Team
Your surgical plan should take into account both your medical needs and your personal goals — including how you want to look and feel after treatment. Your surgeon will walk you through each step and help you make the decision that’s best for you.
