Partial breast reconstruction after lumpectomy may be a good option for you if you have early-stage cancer, particularly if only a small amount of tissue must be removed. It is a good option for many patients as it preserves the nipple and sensation. Many types of partial breast reconstruction surgery are relatively minor. Recovery times are often shorter than for complete breast construction after mastectomy.
However, many women who are candidates for a lumpectomy decide instead to have a mastectomy with full breast reconstruction. There may be a number of reasons for this choice:
Lumpectomy is usually accompanied by radiation treatment. Radiation damages the skin and underlying tissue and may cause harmful side effects and long-term problems. With a full mastectomy, radiation treatment is often unnecessary.
After a lumpectomy, ongoing surveillance (such as MRIs, ultrasound and breast exams) is required. Some patients prefer to avoid the stress associated with ongoing exams and potential biopsies.
Partial breast reconstruction options are dependent upon each individual patient’s body, patient’s desired outcomes, and breast cancer characteristics. Oncoplastic surgery ideally should be performed at the time of lumpectomy, or shortly thereafter, before a patient receives radiation.
Many patients assume that their insurance will not cover reconstructive surgery on the unaffected breast, however, federal law requires insurance to cover all stages of breast reconstruction, including procedures to achieve symmetry of the other breast.