Is mastectomy a very common procedure?

For a breast surgeon: It is still common for more advanced breast cancer. With any surgical procedure, you want to seek out a surgeon who is skilled in the procedure you require. Ask your surgeon directly about his/her experience, and about your different treatment options for your problem.

All too common!: Mastectomy offers no increased chance for cure over lumpectomy; however, mastectomy is necessary/preferred in certain situations: multicentric cancer that grows throughout the breast; women who have the hereditary (brca+)type of ca; women who cannot have radiation therapy (which must be included with lumpectomy for rx).For those that require mastectomy, reconstruction is often an excellent option.

Yes: In the United States - 60-75% of patients receive a lumpectomy for breast cancer, but 25-40% are treated with mastectomy.Reasons are size of the tumor, multiple breast tumors, or patient preference (and more and more women opt to have both breasts removed - especially if reconstructed). Although mastectomy may be needed - always consider a second opinion (surgical oncologist or breast specialist).

Unfortunately: Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women. Mastectomy or lumpectomy are the two most common forms of treatment. It may be possible to have a breast reconstruction either at the time of the mastectomy or once chemo and radiation have been completed. Be sure to discuss this option with your surgeon.

Unfortunately yes: Unfortunately this is a common procedure as some data suggest a lifetime risk of 1 in 9 women (some say 1 in 8) developing breast carcinoma. Although many of these can be performed with tissue sparing techniques (lumpectomy), extensive or diffuse disease may still require mastectomy. Fortunately there are many reconstructiive options.