Lumpectomy and Radiation in Breast Cancer Treatment
Breast cancer is a serious health concern that affects many women worldwide. Fortunately, with early detection and proper treatment, the chances of survival are high. One of the most common treatment options for breast cancer is lumpectomy and radiation therapy. In this article, we will discuss the role of lumpectomy and radiation therapy in the treatment of breast cancer. What is a Lumpectomy? Lumpectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the tumor or a portion of the breast tissue affected by cancer. The goal of a lumpectomy is to remove the cancerous tissue while preserving the healthy breast tissue. Some other terms for lumpectomy are breast-conserving surgery, partial mastectomy, or wide local excision. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue surrounding it. He/she further sends the removed tissue to a laboratory for analysis. The analysis would determine if the tumor is cancerous and the extent of cancer spread.