How Often does Breast Cancer Require Surgery?

Dr. Palafox, South Texas Breast Surgery

Most women who receive a breast cancer diagnosis require some type of surgery. It is one of the best ways to remove cancer cells and to determine whether breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

Maria Palafox, MD, a highly skilled breast surgeon in San Antonio, Texas, works with women to determine whether they need surgery to prevent or treat breast cancer. And if they do require surgery, she helps them decide which type of surgery best suits their needs.

Read on to learn more about breast cancer surgery options, including Hidden Scar™ surgery, a technique that can dramatically decrease scarring.

How surgery helps

Breast cancer affects many women in the United States. Approximately 12% of women develop invasive breast cancer at some point in their lives. In 2019 alone, more than 330,000 women will get some type of breast cancer.

Surgery is a highly effective way to remove cancer cells. Other potential treatments that may be offered alone or in conjunction with surgery include chemotherapy, radiation, and endocrine therapy.

Types of surgery

There are several kinds of breast surgery. Which type you choose may depend on your diagnosis, personal health history, family health history, age, personal preference, and other factors.

Lumpectomy

A lumpectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the part of the breast that is known to contain cancer cells. Lumpectomy is referred to as a breast-conserving procedure, because Dr. Palafox leaves as much as your breast as possible intact.

Mastectomy

In a mastectomy, Dr. Palafox removes your entire breast, which includes all of your breast tissue and sometimes the surrounding tissue, depending on the extent of the disease. Mastectomy may also be combined with breast reconstruction surgery.

Lymph node surgery

When breast cancer spreads beyond the breast, it may reach the lymph nodes located in the armpit. Dr. Palafox can check lymph nodes for the presence of breast cancer cells.

Hidden Scar surgery

Dr. Palafox is certified in Hidden Scar surgery, a type of surgery that can dramatically reduce scarring and may prevent the need to have your nipple removed.

Hidden Scar surgery removes diseased breast tissue while leaving your breasts and nipples looking natural and nearly scar-free.

During Hidden Scar surgery, Dr. Palafox accesses diseased tissue through small incisions that are hidden in natural folds under your arm, the creases beneath your breasts, or on the edge of your nipple.

After making small incisions, Dr. Palafox uses specialized instruments that allow her to remove cancerous tissue without unnecessarily damaging your skin. This leads to a cosmetically pleasing result.

The size and location of your breast cancer as well as the size and shape of your breasts determine whether you are a good candidate for Hidden Scar surgery.

Learn about your surgical options

Dr. Palafox is proud to offer women in the San Antonio area a full range of breast surgery options, including Hidden Scar surgery. To schedule a consultation, call Dr. Palafox’s office or use the quick messaging tool.