What are the alternatives to lumpectomy?

A lumpectomy removes the tumour with a margin of surrounding breast tissue. Mastectomy removes the whole breast and may be followed by reconstruction or the use of an external breast form. The recommendation depends on tumour size and position, whether there is disease in more than one area, breast size, previous radiotherapy, inherited risk and personal preference. Some people receive medicine before surgery to shrink a tumour or make surgery more suitable.

The diagnosis matters: [Breast Cancer](/conditions/breast-cancer/), [Ductal Carcinoma In Situ](/conditions/ductal-carcinoma-in-situ/) and [Paget Disease of the Breast](/conditions/paget-disease-of-the-breast/) can require different plans. [Mastectomy](/treatments/surgical-oncology/mastectomy/) and [Radiotherapy](/treatments/radiation-oncology/radiotherapy/) provide useful background.

Review the biopsy and imaging with a breast surgeon and oncology team. Ask whether the margins can be clear with breast-conserving surgery and whether radiotherapy would follow it. Discuss wound healing, sensation, arm movement, lymph node surgery, reconstruction and the timing of any medicines. A second opinion can help when the options feel closely balanced.

Contact your breast team for a rapidly changing breast or skin appearance, new nipple discharge that is bloody, a new armpit lump, fever or worsening pain. After surgery, urgent assessment is needed for heavy bleeding, sudden breathlessness, chest pain or one-sided arm swelling.

What does my biopsy show? Can breast-conserving surgery remove the disease with a clear margin? Would I need radiotherapy afterwards? What are the practical differences between lumpectomy and mastectomy for my situation?