PETE GARCIA M.D.

GENERAL VASCULAR
&
MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY

When breast cancer is discovered, the type of surgery performed will depend on the type of cancer, extent of the disease's spread and severity. Breast cancer can be invasive, meaning it has spread from the lobule or duct where it originated to other breast tissue. Ductal carcinoma in situ refers to breast cancer that has not spread to other breast tissue.

LUMPECTOMY - also known as breast-conserving surgery, removes only the cancerous lump and its surrounding tissue, leaving the remainder of the breast intact. Lumpectomy is often accompanied by radiation therapy to avoid recurrence and is usually not an option when two or more cancerous areas in the same breast make removal via one incision impossible. Lumpectomy is also used to remove noncancerous tumors (fibroadenoma).

PARTIAL MASTECTOMY - also known as quadrantectomy, removes about one quarter of the breast tissue. Like lumpectomy, it is often accompanied by radiation therapy.

TOTAL MASTECTOMY refers to the removal of the entire breast and nipple. In those at high risk, both breasts may be removed (double mastectomy). Reconstruction of the breasts can be performed at the time of surgery or later.

MODIFIED RADICAL MASTECTOMY (MRM) involves the removal of the entire breast and the nearby lymph nodes, but does not remove the pectoralis major, a large chest muscle.

Board Certified & Practicing Medicine for Over 20 Years
PG2