The majority of women with malignant breast disease, or breast cancer, will have some type of surgery as part of their treatment plan. There is an array of breast surgery options that may be performed for various reasons depending on the individual situation. The operation recommended to you by your doctor will be based on your medical history, your breast cancer features, and personal preference.
Board-Certified Surgeon
MICHELE LEY, MD, FACS
Dr. Ley, a breast surgical oncologist in Tucson since 2006, delivers compassionate and personalized care to create tailored treatment plans based on the latest research. Specializing in surgical care for breast cancer and high-risk patients, she employs minimally invasive techniques and practices oncoplastic surgery to optimize outcomes.
More About Dr. LeySurgery to Remove Malignant Breast Disease
There are two main forms of surgery to remove breast cancer, including breast-conserving surgery, also called lumpectomy and mastectomy.
Lumpectomy: Lumpectomy involves removing the cancer as well as some surrounding normal tissue. The amount of breast tissue removed will ultimately depend on the location and size of the tumor, as well as other factors.
Mastectomy: Mastectomy surgery involves removing the entire breast as well as some surrounding tissues. In the case where both breasts are removed, it is called a double mastectomy.
“The level of care is excellent.”
Surgery to Remove Lymph Nodes
To discover if breast cancer has spread to the underarm lymph nodes, either one or more will need to be removed and researched in the lab. Lymph nodes may be removed as either part of the procedure to remove breast cancer or as a separate procedure.
There are two main types of surgery to remove lymph nodes, include:
Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB): During this procedure, your surgeon will inject a special dye and remove the lymph nodes beneath the arm that have absorbed this dye. These lymph nodes are where the cancer is most likely to spread first.
Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND): During this procedure, your surgeon will remove many underarm lymph nodes. A special dye can be used to help protect lymphatic pathways.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Many patients choose to undergo breast reconstruction following surgery to remove breast cancer. There are several different types of breast reconstruction surgery to choose from.
At Tucson Breast Health Specialists, Dr. Ley does not perform breast reconstruction procedures herself. However, we have compiled a list of recommended local plastic surgery resources to help you find the right breast reconstruction surgeon for you.
Contact Us Today
We understand that being diagnosed with malignant Breast disease, or breast cancer, can be a trying time. At Tucson Breast Health Specialists, we are here to support you on your breast health journey. For more information regarding breast cancer surgical options, please contact our Tucson, AZ office today.
ABOUT US
More About UsOUR BLOG
Read Our BlogCONTACT US
We are dedicated to providing the support you need. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help on your breast health journey.