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How Breast Cancer Is Treated
There are a number of treatments for breast cancer. The treatment depends on
the type of tumor, whether the cancer has spread, and other facts you and your
doctor will discuss. Some treatments are:
Lumpectomy--Surgery that removes the lump or tumor and a small amount
of breast tissue around it, leaving the rest of the breast. A lumpectomy is
usually the preferred treatment when cancer hasn't spread outside the breast.
Total Mastectomy--Surgery that removes the entire breast and usually
the adjoining lymph nodes. This may be necessary when there is more than one
cancer in the breast, or when a single cancer is large when compared to the
breast. Breast reconstruction is usually available to women who have had a
breast removed. If you have a breast removed, you may want to talk with your
doctor about various types of surgical breast reconstruction and decide if
reconstruction is right for you.
Radiation Therapy--Radiation from special equipment is aimed at the
tumor to kill cancer cells and shrink the tumor.
Treatment with one or more drugs.
Radiation and drug treatment are often given after surgery.
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