What is the Difference Between a Lumpectomy and Simple Mastectomy?

The main difference between a lumpectomy and a simple mastectomy is the amount of breast tissue removed during the surgery.

A lumpectomy, also known as breast-conserving surgery, is a procedure where only the portion of the breast containing the cancer and a margin of surrounding tissue is removed. This procedure conserves more of the breast, but may still change the appearance. The breast may be smaller or have contour changes, and the procedure will leave a scar. If radiation therapy is given, it may further shrink the breast and change the shape and texture, sometimes making it feel firmer.

A simple mastectomy, also known as a total mastectomy, is the surgical removal of the entire breast, including the breast tissue, nipple, areola, and some skin. This surgery is more extensive than a lumpectomy, with more post-surgery side effects and a longer recuperation time.

Some factors to consider when deciding between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy include:

Survival: Survival with a lumpectomy plus radiation therapy is the same as with a mastectomy. Both procedures lower the risk of dying from breast cancer.
Appearance: A lumpectomy preserves more of the breast, but the appearance may still change. A mastectomy results in the removal of the entire breast.
Surgery extent: A lumpectomy is less extensive surgery, often performed with general or regional anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. A mastectomy is a major surgery with general anesthesia.
Hospital stay: A lumpectomy may have a shorter hospital stay compared to a mastectomy.
Personal preference: Some people prefer to keep their breasts, while others may find a mastectomy offers peace of mind.

Ultimately, the decision between a lumpectomy or mastectomy is highly personal, and each option has its own risks and benefits. It is essential to discuss your options with your surgeon and weigh the pros and cons to choose the best option for you.

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What is the Difference Between a Lumpectomy and Simple Mastectomy?

Comparative Table: a Lumpectomy vs Simple Mastectomy

Here is a table comparing the differences between a lumpectomy and a simple mastectomy:

Feature	Lumpectomy	Simple Mastectomy
Definition	A lumpectomy, also known as a partial mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery, removes the tumor and a small margin of normal tissue around it, leaving most of the breast skin and tissue in place.	A simple mastectomy, also known as a total mastectomy, removes the breast, nipple, areola, and sentinel lymph node or nodes, leaving the chest wall and more distant lymph nodes intact.
Goal	The goal of a lumpectomy is to remove the cancer while preserving as much of the breast as possible.	The goal of a simple mastectomy is to remove the entire breast to prevent the recurrence of cancer.
Recovery Time	Lumpectomy is a less invasive surgery, so the recovery time is shorter and easier than with a mastectomy.	Simple mastectomy has a longer recovery time compared to a lumpectomy.
Breast Appearance	The breast often looks as close as possible to how it did before surgery, with the general shape of the breast and the nipple area preserved.	The breast is removed, leaving the chest wall intact. Surgeons can often save the breast skin for women who plan to have reconstructive surgery.
Surgical Treatment Satisfaction	Lumpectomy has been associated with higher chronic pain frequency compared to mastectomy.	Overall surgical treatment satisfaction is generally higher for mastectomy compared to lumpectomy.

It is important to note that for early-stage breast cancer, there is no difference in survival between a mastectomy and a lumpectomy with radiation. The choice between the two procedures depends on the patient's preferences, the size and location of the tumor, and other factors such as breast size and the presence of other medical conditions.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.