There are 2 basic ways to treat breast cancer. The first is with lumpectomy and radiation and the second with a mastectomy. You and your surgical oncologist will discuss the options.

However, patients with a small breast in which the majority of the breast would be removed with a lumpectomy are usually advised to have a mastectomy.  Those that have a recurrent cancer after having been treated with a lumpectomy and radiation in the past will also require mastectomy.  Women whose lesions are quite small and that do not take up most of the breast volume would be afforded the option of lumpectomy and radiation or the option of mastectomy.  If you decide or require a mastectomy then your surgeon will refer you to a Tampa Florida area plastic surgeon for breast reconstruction.

As a plastic surgeon specializing in breast surgery I perform a large number of reconstructions after a mastectomy.  Usually reconstruction is coordinated with the surgical oncologist so that it can be performed at the time of the mastectomy.

Next, we will discuss the options for breast reconstruction.