![]() The exact number of nodes in each level will vary from person to person.ĭiagram of the lymph nodes Checking lymph nodes before surgery Lymph nodes are arranged in three levels: 1, 2 and 3 as illustrated below. These are connected to the lymph nodes (glands) under the arm (axilla). The lymph nodesīreasts contain a network of thin tubes called lymph vessels. ![]() The outcome of this will help your treatment team recommend which treatments are best for you. Surgery to the lymph nodesīreast cancer cells can sometimes spread to the lymph nodes under the arm.Īnyone with invasive breast cancer will have the lymph nodes under the arm assessed. Some people may need a mastectomy to ensure all the cancer has been removed. If there are cancer cells at the edges of the margin, you may need further surgery to remove more tissue. If you have negative or clear margins, it’s unlikely you’ll need more surgery to the breast. Positive margins mean the cancer cells are very close to or reach the edge of the tissue.Negative (clear) margins mean no cancer cells were seen at the outer edge of the tissue removed.The breast tissue removed during surgery will be tested to check the margin around the cancer. It’s important that the cancer is removed with a border (margin) of healthy breast tissue around it to reduce the risk of any cancer cells being left behind. For more information, see our web pages about breast reconstruction. This combines breast cancer surgery with plastic surgery techniques, and means it’s less likely you’ll notice a dent or a great difference between the breasts. It’s more common for people to have oncoplastic surgery. If you’re having breast-conserving surgery, you’ll usually have radiotherapy on the remaining breast tissue on that side. The aim is to keep as much of your breast as possible while ensuring the cancer has been completely removed. Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy or wide local excision)Ī lumpectomy or wide local excision is surgery to remove breast cancer along with a border (margin) of normal, healthy breast tissue. You may also decide you would prefer to have a mastectomy, even if breast-conserving surgery is an option. If your surgeon recommends a mastectomy they should explain why. If you have been diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer.When there’s more than one area of cancer in the breast.When the cancer takes up a large area of the breast.MastectomyĪ simple mastectomy is the removal of as much breast tissue as possible including the skin and nipple area.Įxamples of when a mastectomy may be recommended include: You can also call Breast Cancer Now’s Helpline on 08. Can I see some breast prostheses (artificial breast forms)?.Can I see photographs of people who have had breast surgery?.What will my breast area look like after surgery?.Here are some questions you might want to ask your treatment team about your surgery: You may find it helpful to talk through your options with your breast care nurse. You may also have some or all of the lymph nodes removed with the breast tissue. Long-term survival and rates of local recurrence are the same for breast-conserving surgery followed by radiotherapy as for mastectomy. Some people will be offered a choice between breast-conserving surgery and a mastectomy. Your treatment team will explain why they think a particular operation is best for you. It will also depend on the size of your breast. The type of surgery recommended for you depends on the type and size of the cancer, where it is in the breast and whether more than one area of the breast is affected. Sometimes chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapy is offered before surgery. Mastectomy – removal of all the breast tissue including the nipple area.Breast-conserving surgery – the cancer is removed along with a border (margin) of normal breast tissue around it.The two main types of breast surgery are: Surgery is usually the first treatment for people with breast cancer. Going into hospital and pre-assessment 1. Prostheses, bras and clothing after a mastectomyĩ. Breast-conserving surgery: lumpectomy or wide local excisionĨ.
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