Specialist service · Breast oncology
Breast Cancer Surgery
Breast cancer surgery removes the tumour with an appropriate margin and, when indicated, assesses lymph nodes. The choice between breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy depends on the cancer, breast anatomy, other treatment and the patient’s informed preference.
- Breast conservation or mastectomy planning
- Sentinel-node and axillary assessment when indicated
- Oncoplastic and reconstruction options considered early
Suitability
Information needed before a surgical plan
A treatment recommendation should follow tissue diagnosis and staging, not imaging or appearance alone.
- Pathology type, grade and receptor results
- Tumour size, location and extent on appropriate imaging
- Clinical and imaging assessment of lymph nodes
- General health, genetics when relevant and multidisciplinary treatment sequence
Breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy
Many patients with early breast cancer or DCIS can be treated with lumpectomy or wider local excision, usually followed by radiotherapy. Mastectomy may be advised or preferred for extensive disease, multiple areas, an unfavourable tumour-to-breast ratio, inability to receive radiotherapy, persistent involved margins or selected high-risk situations. The operation is individualized.
Lymph nodes, pathology and reconstruction
Sentinel lymph-node biopsy is commonly used when nodal staging is needed, while more extensive axillary surgery is reserved for selected situations. Final pathology confirms margins and stage and may change the next step. Oncoplastic reshaping, immediate reconstruction, delayed reconstruction or a flat closure can be discussed according to cancer safety and preference.
- Plan surgery within the multidisciplinary treatment sequence
- Explain specimen orientation and margin assessment
- Discuss arm and lymphoedema care when nodes are treated
Recovery and additional treatment
Recovery differs after lumpectomy, mastectomy and reconstruction. Wound and drain care, shoulder movement and warning signs are explained before discharge. Radiotherapy, systemic therapy or further surgery may be recommended after final pathology; surgery is one part of a coordinated cancer plan.
Risks specific to cancer surgery
The exact profile depends on the breast and lymph-node operation and whether reconstruction is performed.
- Bleeding, infection, seroma and delayed healing
- Positive margins requiring further surgery
- Change in breast shape, sensation or arm/shoulder movement
- Lymphoedema risk after lymph-node surgery or radiotherapy
- Reconstruction-specific complications or delay in recovery
Frequently asked questions
Is mastectomy always safer than breast-conserving surgery?
No. For appropriate patients, breast-conserving surgery followed by radiotherapy offers survival equivalent to mastectomy. The correct choice depends on the cancer and individual circumstances.
Will all lymph nodes be removed?
Not routinely. Many patients who need nodal staging have sentinel-node biopsy. More extensive surgery is used only when indicated by the disease and treatment plan.
Can reconstruction be performed at the same operation?
Often it can, but timing depends on tumour factors, likely radiotherapy, general health, reconstruction choice and patient preference.
Content was reviewed against official medical and professional patient-information sources.
- National Cancer Institute — Breast Cancer Surgery
- National Cancer Institute — Lumpectomy vs. Mastectomy
- National Cancer Institute — Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy
Last medically reviewed: 22 August 2026
Private consultation
The right plan starts with examination and a clear goal.
This page is general information. Procedure choice, technique, recovery and risk vary with your examination and health.