Breast Cancer Surgery New Jersey

The Premier Surgical Network, comprised of Anjeanette Brown, MD, FACS, Physician, James Frost, MD, FACS, Physician, Desiree D’Angelo, DO, FACS, Physician and Ann Chuang, MD, Physician is dedicated to offering compassionate and comprehensive treatment plans for each of our patients throughout New Jersey. Offering a multi-disciplinary approach, we take pride in delivering high quality care in a warm and welcoming environment.

Types of breast cancer surgeries

The type and timing of your surgery can depend on several considerations, such as the stage of the cancer, your personal history, and your preferences. Most often, surgery will be used in conjunction with other techniques, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and endocrine therapy. It is important to discuss all options with your doctor before any surgery.

The two main types of breast cancer surgery are lumpectomy and mastectomy.  Breast reconstruction surgery and oncoplastic reconstruction can also be part of removing your breast cancer.

  • Lumpectomy or partial mastectomy involves taking out the diseased breast tissue and some of the surrounding healthy tissue. It is considered breast-conserving surgery because only part of the breast is removed. This may be the best option if doctors detected your cancer early and your tumor is relatively small. Radiation after surgery is an integral part of breast-conserving surgery.
  • Mastectomy involves removing the entire breast. A unilateral mastectomy removes one breast and a double mastectomy removes both breasts. You might need a mastectomy if your cancer is aggressive, you have recurrent breast cancer, or a certain type of cancer. Some patients opt for a mastectomy as a preventive measure, especially if they are at a higher risk of developing the disease. You should address the pros and cons of this surgery with your doctor before treatment. Studies have indicated that more extensive mastectomy surgery doesn’t guarantee patients a better survival rate compared to those who undergo a lumpectomy.
  • Hidden scar approach is an advanced surgical option in either a mastectomy or lumpectomy procedure. With a hidden scar approach, your incision is placed in a location that is hard to see so the scar will not be visible once healed.
  • Nipple sparing mastectomy is an advanced surgical technique that preserves the nipple and areola along with the breast skin.
  • Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a surgical procedure that pinpoints and removes the sentinel lymph node(s) to determine if breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
  • Breast reconstruction and oncoplastic reconstruction are an integral part of treating your cancer. Sometimes this surgery happens. Sometimes, you can have the reconstructive surgery the same day as your breast cancer surgery. Other situations require a waiting period. We would be happy to discuss the possible scenarios for you and assist with scheduling your breast reconstruction surgery consultation.

Preparations and expectations

Surgery always comes with risks, but breast cancer surgery is relatively safe. Possible complications may include pain, infection, bleeding, or scarring.

During your consultation appointment, you should ask questions regarding the specifics of your treatment and the important information to take into consideration prior to your treatment. It is likely that you will want to know your options for surgery. Frequently asked questions would include:

  • Do I need a full mastectomy or will a lumpectomy or breast-conserving surgery suffice?
  • Can I have reconstruction immediately following my breast cancer surgery?
  • How long should I plan to be in the hospital?
  • When can I go back to work or my normal schedule of activities?

Visit our FAQs page to learn more.

Your recovery time will partly be contingent on your health before the surgery, but you can expect to return to relative normalcy, such as your diet and bathing, within a day of your procedure. Patients usually can go home the same day as their mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery, unless reconstruction was also performed.

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