Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 9/14/2006

Question

-------------------------

Followup To

Question -
I am scheduled to undergo a Modified masectomy and I would like further information on this topic.  Will I have to undergo radiation, chemotherapy after this.

Answer -
That depends on the size and character of your cancer, but since a mastectomy has been chosen as surgical treatment - and thus your tumour is regarded as more serious - it is very probable that both these treatments are being regarded as necessary in your case.

When I had the appointment with my surgeon he talked about the mastectomy but he said no chemo or radiation.  I asked him if he was going to check to make sure that the cancer had not spread to the lymph nodes.  Will another biopsy be done during the mastectomy.  Also what happens when a modified mastectomy is done.  Do they just remove the lumps or tissue around the lumps.

I would appreciate your response.


Answer
Well first of all if any kind of mastectomy is being considered then at least radiation therapy, chemo therapy & (anti) hormonal therapy should be considered too! There are many kinds of "modified" mastectomy, but they all include the removal of the whole breast and mostly also a dissection of the lymph nodes of your arm pit on that side to check if your cancer has spread. However you can hardly ever be sure that it has not spread and that is why radiation, chemo etc. are important in order to try to cure the patient completely.