There are many different types of surgery for breast cancer. The type you have depends on the size of the cancer, its location in the breast, your breast size and your own personal wishes.
A breast surgeon may remove just the area of cancer in a procedure called a lumpectomy. He may also remove the whole breast (mastectomy), which involves removing the breast tissue (including the skin and nipple) and the tissues that cover the chest muscles.
After a mastectomy, the surgeon may also carry out breast reconstruction.
Breast surgery is often carried out in conjunction with other cancer treatment such as radiotherapy.
