Dr. Brian McDonough on Mastectomy and Breast Cancer

NEW YORK -- Each year, about 50,000 women undergo mastectomy as a treatment for breast cancer.

One of the great developments is the treatment of breast cancer in the past twenty years has been the fact that lumpectomies and other forms of therapy have been introduced as options. But there are cases when it’s unavoidable.

It all comes down to the severity of the cancer. This is evaluated according to a system called “staging.”

This takes into account the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to the lymph nodes, adjacent tissues, and/or distant parts of the body. A mastectomy usually is the recommended surgery for more advanced breast cancers. However, some women with earlier stage breast cancers, who might also have lumpectomy may choose to have a mastectomy.

A woman’s psychological concerns and lifestyle choices also should be considered when making a decision.

If you’re grappling with this issue make sure you have a major part in the decision-making.

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