| Health Information Library Mastectomy - SeriesBreast cancer begins in the breast and may spread to the lymph nodes of the armpit (axilla). When a breast lump is found to contain cancer, and if the cancer has not spread beyond the nodes of the axilla to distant sites, it is often removed surgically. Radiation therapy may be used in addition to surgery. In certain cases of malignant lumps, lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy is as effective as a radical mastectomy. Typically, lumpectomy does not require a breast reconstruction(prosthesis).
Review Date:
2/26/2009
Reviewed By:
James Lee, MD, Department of Surgery, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.  A.D.A.M., Inc.is accredited by URAC, also known as the
American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's
accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of
quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online
health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial
policy, editorial process and privacy
policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health
on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or
treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and
treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites
are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. ©1997-
A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
|
Printer Friendly
Share This
