Partial or Segmental Mastectomy

Adapted from the National Institutes of Health by ]]>EBSCO Publishing Editorial Staff]]>

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This procedure removes the tumor plus a wedge of normal tissue surrounding it, including some skin and the lining of the chest muscle below the tumor. It is followed by radiation therapy. Many surgeons also remove some or all of the underarm lymph nodes to check for possible spread of cancer.

Advantages -If a woman is large-breasted, most of the breast is preserved. There is little possibility of loss of muscle strength or arm swelling.
Disadvantages -If a woman has small- or medium-sized breasts, this procedure will noticeably change the breast's shape. There is a possibility of arm swelling.