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| 1. Treatment Options / 2. Mastectomy / 3. Lumpectomy / 4. Radiation / 5. Chemotherapy / 6. Bone Marrow Transplant / 7. Hormone Therapy / 8. Research Continues | |
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TreatmentMastectomyMost women surgically treated for breast cancer have what doctors call a "modified radical mastectomy" -- this is what most people mean when they say "mastectomy." Mastectomy is usually done in women with breast tumors over 5 cm (about 2 inches) or extensive spread of cancer to the lymph nodes. It involves removal of the overlying skin, the nipple, all breast tissue, and the lymph nodes in the breast and underarm area. Many women who have a mastectomy go on to have breast reconstruction, usually in the form of implants. This can be done at the same time as a mastectomy or later, in a separate operation. |
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