Breast Cancer: Treatment part 1

Taking into account tumor size, extent of spread, and other characteristics, as well as patient preference, treatment usually involves breast-conserving surgery (surgical removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue) or mastectomy (surgical removal of the breast). Numerous studies have shown that for early breast cancer (cancer that has not spread to the skin, chest wall, or distant organs), long-term survival for women treated
with breast-conserving surgery plus radiation therapy is similar to that for those treated with mastectomy. For women undergoing mastectomy, significant advances in reconstruction techniques provide several options for breast reconstruction, including the timing of the procedure. source:American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2013. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2013