When breast cancer is detected early and the tumor is still small, it can often be treated by removing just the area of abnormal tissue, rather than the whole breast. This allows the rest of the breast to be preserved, and a more normal appearance maintained.

Because the rest of the breast tissue is being retained, this surgery is followed by a course of breast radiation therapy to reduce the risk of cancer recurring in the breast in the future.

What the surgery involves?

Breast-conserving surgery involves removing the tumor along with a small amount of healthy surrounding tissue – this is to ensure that cancer has been completely removed. The aim of this procedure is to remove cancer but also leave the breast looking as natural as possible. A small scar will be visible on the breast in the area where the tumor was located, or if possible this may be placed around the edge of the areola. The surgery will be performed in a hospital and require either a day or an overnight stay.