Is mastectomy a good choice for you?
If any of the following apply to you, a mastectomy may be the best option for you:
- You’ll almost certainly need a mastectomy if the tumor is more than 5 centimeters. Some tumors smaller than 5 cm may still require a mastectomy, while others may be treated with lumpectomy, depending on the stage and other circumstances.
- Your doctor may recommend a mastectomy if your breast is small and a lumpectomy would leave you with very little breast tissue.
- You may need a mastectomy if your surgeon has tried multiple times to remove the tumor with a lumpectomy but has not been able to remove cancer and obtain clear margins.
- You may need a mastectomy if lumpectomy plus radiation isn’t an option for your small tumor (under 4 centimeters). It is because you’ve had prior radiation to the same breast, you have a connective tissue disease (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), you’re pregnant, or you don’t want to commit to daily radiation treatment.
- You may decide to get a mastectomy if you believe it will provide you with more peace of mind than a lumpectomy.
