Breast Cancer Surgery
Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Houston and The Woodlands, TX
Breast cancer surgery is a field of specialized surgical procedures that address the development and spread of breast cancer. Breast cancer surgery is typically the sole treatment for managing early-stage breast cancer, and it can help you determine whether a growth is cancerous, remove any affected tissue, and ensure the overall health and well-being of your breasts and body. (1)
Greater Houston Breast Surgeons is one of the leading breast care clinics in Texas. Our surgical team consists of Dr. Elizabeth Bonefas, Dr. Loren Rourke, and Dr. Vega Vega, each of whom is dedicated to helping patients restore their health and quality of life. No matter who you work with, you can feel confident knowing they want the best for you.
If you are ready to start discussing your treatment with our surgical team, please schedule a consultation online or call (713) 701-7165 to reach both our Houston and The Woodlands offices.
Contents
- 1 About Breast Cancer Surgery
- 2 Available Procedures
- 3 Candidates
- 4 Personal Consultation
- 5 Preparation
- 6 Recovery
- 7 Results
- 8 Cost of Breast Cancer Surgery in Houston, TX
- 9 FAQ
- 9.1 How does breast cancer develop?
- 9.2 Will my nipples be removed during breast cancer surgery?
- 9.3 Will I need to undergo another cancer treatment after undergoing breast cancer surgery?
- 9.4 Does breast cancer surgery leave significant scarring?
- 9.5 How will I know which breast cancer surgery is right for me?
- 10 References
About Breast Cancer Surgery
Breast cancer surgery consists of several different procedures that can remove cancerous soft tissues and skin from around the breasts and areolas. These procedures can both diagnose and treat breast cancer, allowing you to eliminate the condition before it spreads and worsens.
About Breast Cancer
Breast cancer causes uncontrolled, abnormal cell growth within the breasts. This condition affects millions of patients worldwide, and it is the most common cancer diagnosed in women and the second most common cause of death from cancer among women worldwide. This condition often develops sporadically, but certain factors such as your age, gender, family medical history, exposure to radiation, and even certain lifestyle habits can increase your risk of breast cancer. (2)
Available Procedures
Axillary Lymph Node Dissection
Axillary lymph node dissection is a procedure that can manage the spread of breast cancer to the sentinel lymph nodes and armpit area by removing the affected lymph nodes. This comprehensively removes the cancer and improves your overall survival rate. Our pathology team can also study the removed lymph nodes to learn more about the pathological staging of your cancer and determine if your surgeon or oncologist should make any changes to your treatment plan. (3)
Excisional Biopsy
An excisional biopsy is a minor procedure that can accurately determine whether you have breast cancer. It consists of removing the entirety of a suspicious lump on the breast for evaluation, allowing our pathologists to comprehensively assess the growth. (4) Our surgical team can perform this procedure to remove a benign (noncancerous) tumor, or when a needle biopsy does not provide enough information.
The hidden scar approach is a type of breast cancer surgery that strategically hides each incision placement to preserve the natural appearance of the breast. (5) When performing this approach, our surgeons will hide each incision within the natural contours and curves of your breasts to minimize any visible scarring. These placements are often within your breast crease or along the pigmented edges of your areolas.
Lumpectomy
A lumpectomy is a procedure that removes both the cancerous tumor and a small amount of its surrounding healthy tissues while still preserving the nipple and areola. Because your surgeon only removes a small amount of tissue, they can maintain your natural breast shape and sculpt. Lumpectomy often pairs with radiation therapy.
Nerve Preservation
Many types of breast surgery can result in a post-operative loss of sensation in the chest. To avoid and address this concern, our surgical team can implement nerve preservation throughout your breast cancer surgery. These specialized, reconstructive techniques can each help you maintain the natural sensations of your nipples and breasts during and after your procedure.
Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy
A nipple-sparing mastectomy is an advanced surgical procedure that can remove cancerous growths from beneath the breast while preserving the natural appearance of your skin, nipples, and areola. Through a small incision, our surgeons can remove the underlying layers of breast tissue from beneath the breasts while ensuring that the overall shape and silhouette of your breasts remain intact and natural-looking.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
A sentinel lymph node biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure that removes a select few lymph nodes to determine whether your breast cancer has spread beyond your breasts. This procedure removes the sentinel lymph nodes, or the first lymph nodes that the cancer is most likely to spread to. (1) Our pathology team will then examine these nodes to accurately stage and grade your breast cancer.
Candidates
You may be a suitable candidate for breast cancer surgery if you have either found a suspicious lump or growth starting to develop around your breasts or have recently been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and wish to begin addressing it.
You should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding the results of your procedure. You should also be nonsmoking or willing to quit using nicotine entirely. Our surgeons will determine your candidacy for each breast cancer procedure during your consultation. Please understand that depending on your condition and medical history, you may qualify for one procedure, but not another.
Personal Consultation
We personalize each treatment at Greater Houston Breast Surgeons, which is why we ask that you attend a personal consultation before scheduling your breast cancer surgery. During your consultation, your surgeon will meet with you individually to explain what each procedure consists of, learn more about your medical history, and converse with you about your diagnosis and concerns. They will also perform various imaging tests, lab tests, and physical examinations to evaluate both the cancer and the natural anatomy of your chest.
Using this information, your surgeon will tailor your personalized treatment plan. They will determine the best approach for your concerns, as well as the most effective surgical techniques. As they do this, they will take the time to explain each concept and step to ensure you have a full understanding of what to expect. Your surgeon will also take the time to answer and address any questions you may have.
If you are ready to schedule this consultation, we ask that you submit our online contact form. Alternatively, you may also call our Houston office at (713) 701-7165.
Preparation
Once you have scheduled your breast cancer surgery, you may need to make certain preparations. Your surgeon will provide you with a set of detailed instructions to help you, which may include:
- Discontinuing Certain Medications: Avoid taking any medications or supplements that contain blood-thinning properties.
- Preparing Transportation: Have a trusted friend or relative drive you home after your procedure, as you will not be able to transport yourself.
- Arranging Time Away: Prepare to take time away from your professional and social responsibilities and commitments to allow yourself time to rest.
- Picking Up Medications: Fill any prescriptions you may need for your recovery beforehand.
- Stopping Specific Substances: Refrain from consuming any nicotine or alcohol in the weeks leading up to your procedure, as both of these substances can contribute to the development of certain complications.
Recovery
After your breast cancer surgery, you will need to take some time to focus on your recovery. You may experience some initial swelling or bruising around your breasts, but these effects will dissipate on their own with time. You may manage them using prescription medications and plenty of rest.
After approximately one to two weeks, you may return to most of your daily activities. However, you will need to refrain from engaging in any strenuous or physically demanding activities until your surgeon gives approval.
Your surgeon will provide you with a full set of post-operative instructions to ensure you understand how to care for yourself and your breasts as they heal. If any questions arise, we ask that you contact our office so that our team can provide you with any guidance you may need.
Results
The full results of your breast cancer surgery will vary depending on the stage and grade of your cancer, as well as the approach your surgeons use. The focus of each breast cancer surgery is to eliminate as much of the cancer as possible and minimize its spread while preserving as much of your natural breast structure, shape, and tissue as possible.
Cost of Breast Cancer Surgery in Houston, TX
The cost of your breast cancer surgery will vary depending on various factors in your treatment plan. These can include the type of procedure you undergo, as well as its complexity. Once you and your surgeon have met to establish your treatment plan, they will provide a comprehensive cost estimate. Financing is also available for those who qualify, and some patients may be eligible for insurance coverage.
To learn more about the pricing of your procedure, please contact us online or call (713) 701-7165.
FAQ
How does breast cancer develop?
Breast cancer primarily develops sporadically, with only 5% to 10% of patients having an identifiable genetic mutation. However, age, gender, family medical history, and certain reproductive milestones can each increase the risk and likelihood of development.(1)
Will my nipples be removed during breast cancer surgery?
Each of our available procedures preserves your areolas and nipples, but your surgeon may recommend removing your nipples depending on your condition, diagnosis, and personal health.
Will I need to undergo another cancer treatment after undergoing breast cancer surgery?
Your surgeon may recommend additional treatments depending on your tumor’s size, your lymph node status, and how your body responds to your procedure. They will discuss this more with you during your consultation as they create your treatment plan.
Does breast cancer surgery leave significant scarring?
There will be some degree of scarring because these procedures are all surgical in nature, but our surgical team takes great care to carefully minimize the visibility of each incision.
How will I know which breast cancer surgery is right for me?
During your personal consultation, your surgeon will assess your medical history, existing anatomy, the location of your cancer, as well as its stage and grade, to determine which procedure is best for you.
References
- Czajka ML, Pfeifer C. Breast Cancer Surgery. Nih.gov. Published February 8, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553076/#article-18570.s4
- Alkabban FM, Ferguson T. Breast Cancer. PubMed. Published 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482286/#article-18564.s9
- Abass MO, Gismalla MDA, Alsheikh AA, Elhassan MMA. Axillary Lymph Node Dissection for Breast Cancer: Efficacy and Complication in Developing Countries. Journal of Global Oncology. 2018;(4):1-8. doi:https://doi.org/10.1200/jgo.18.00080
- Beard C J, Schmieder GJ. Excisional Biopsy. Nih.gov. Published November 23, 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534835/
- Yang JD, Lee J, Lee JS, Kim EK, Park CS, Park HY. Aesthetic Scar-Less Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction. Journal of Breast Cancer. 2021;24(1):22. doi:https://doi.org/10.4048/jbc.2021.24.e11