Lumpectomy vs Mastectomy

[Cindy]

Good Morning,

My age is 47 and I have a 2 cm tumor with no familial history of  breast cancer.  My doctors are leaving the decision up to me as to whether or not I should have a mastectomy vs. lumpectomy.  They have told me that either one is fine as far as they are concerned.  Do you have any suggestions for which surgery I should have?

[Cindy]

Thank you so much for your very informative answer to my question.  My doctor did not tell me that if  had a mastectomy I would not need to have radiation therapy!  

Thanks again - this is a difficult decision.

Cindy

[Denise L. Johnson, M.D.]

This is a common question and the answer depends on a number of factors 1) location of the 2 cm tumor 2) your breast size 3) are the surgical margins clear .

Your doctors are correct in saying the either breast conserving surgery (BCS) or mastectomy achieve the same overall survivial.  With BCS, you will need radiation therapy, with mastectomy you will not.