What type of surgery might a patient have for early-stage breast cancer?

What type of surgery might a patient have for early-stage breast cancer?

• A. Mastectomy
• B. Radiation therapy
• C. Lumpectomy
• D. Chemotherapy

Answer: (C)

In the context of early-stage breast cancer, a lumpectomy is often the preferred surgical option because it involves the removal of the tumor along with a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue, while preserving the majority of the breast. This type of surgery allows for effective treatment of the cancer while maintaining the breast's appearance, which is a significant consideration for many patients. Lumpectomy is typically followed by radiation therapy to eliminate any remaining cancer cells in the breast. While a mastectomy, which involves the removal of the entire breast, is also an option for treating breast cancer, it is generally reserved for more advanced cases or specific patient circumstances. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy, on the other hand, are non-surgical treatments that may be used in conjunction with surgery or as standalone treatments depending on the case. In the case of early-stage breast cancer, lumpectomy represents a targeted approach that balances effective cancer treatment with the preservation of breast tissue, making it the most appropriate surgical choice.

In the context of early-stage breast cancer, a lumpectomy is often the preferred surgical option because it involves the removal of the tumor along with a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue, while preserving the majority of the breast. This type of surgery allows for effective treatment of the cancer while maintaining the breast's appearance, which is a significant consideration for many patients. Lumpectomy is typically followed by radiation therapy to eliminate any remaining cancer cells in the breast.

While a mastectomy, which involves the removal of the entire breast, is also an option for treating breast cancer, it is generally reserved for more advanced cases or specific patient circumstances. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy, on the other hand, are non-surgical treatments that may be used in conjunction with surgery or as standalone treatments depending on the case. In the case of early-stage breast cancer, lumpectomy represents a targeted approach that balances effective cancer treatment with the preservation of breast tissue, making it the most appropriate surgical choice.