Surgery to remove your breast cancer
Surgery is often the next step up in treating your breast cancer, and it can be an emotional, mental and physical journey for patients. Some patients may not have undergone surgery before, and some may be opting for preventative surgery. We understand that each patient is unique and must receive support that is appropriate to their situation. Our staff will be by your side before, during and after your procedure.
Before any of our patients undergo breast surgery, we ensure they are well-equipped with all the information and guidance they need going forward. We also help organise and plan post-operative care, reducing some of the stress and ensuring a smoother journey and recovery.
What is a partial or total mastectomy?
A mastectomy treats breast cancer by removing part (“lumpectomy”/partial mastectomy/“wide local excision”), or all, of the breast through surgery. Depending on your individual needs, the type of surgery varies from patient to patient. For example, most patients need a breast-conserving procedure to remove part of the breast. However, some may require a total mastectomy to remove the whole breast (which is usually considered with reconstruction to recreate a breast shape). You may opt for a preventative mastectomy – prophylactic mastectomy – if you have a high genetic risk of developing breast cancer.
Lymph node surgery
Breast cancer surgery includes checking the lymph nodes that sit in the armpit. If there is no evidence of spread to nodes at diagnosis, then you will just have a Sentinel Node Biopsy at the same time as your breast surgery.
What are the mastectomy procedures?
Partial Mastectomy (also called Wide Local Excision or Lumpectomy)
Partial Mastectomy (also called Wide Local Excision or Lumpectomy)
If you have a small, solitary breast tumour, a partial mastectomy may be the right option. Our specialist will surgically remove the lump and a portion of the surrounding normal breast tissue. The small defect in the breast is then repaired using oncoplastic techniques to maintain a near-normal appearance of the treated breast. This approach usually requires the addition of radiotherapy a few weeks after surgery. A key benefit of this approach is that the breast shape and form are better preserved.
Skin-Sparing Mastectomy and Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy
Skin-Sparing Mastectomy and Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy
These types of mastectomy are used in conjunction with breast reconstruction. The breast tissue (with or without the nipple) is removed preserving the majority of the overlying skin to allow a new breast shape to be placed within the skin. This is either a silicon implant or a breast shaped flap made from your tummy or back.
Simple Mastectomy (also called a Total Mastectomy)
Simple Mastectomy (also called a Total Mastectomy)
If you have a simple mastectomy, our surgeons will remove all breast tissue, skin and nipple. The muscles beneath the breast are left in place and, after healing, a special bra and prosthesis are provided. For women with a large tumour or multiple tumours, then a simple mastectomy may be the best option. Some women choose to have a simple mastectomy. A key benefit of undergoing a total mastectomy is that radiation therapy may not be needed.
Breast Clinic services
Our expertise
Ready to get started?