Primary breast cancer

Nurse with chemotherapy

Treatment options

The treatment that you are offered will depend on the size of your cancer and whether it has spread. Find out how DNA testing may also be used to help determine the treatment you receive.

Your cancer will then be discussed by a team of specialist, known as a multidisciplinary team (MDT), who will work together to determine the best treatment for you.

Surgery

 

Surgery to remove your cancer is normally the first course of treatment. The type of surgery you have will depend on your individual cancer. The main types of surgery are:

 

Breast conserving surgery

This is where the cancerous lump is removed along with some of the surrounding tissue. The surrounding tissue is then sent to our histopathology laboratory for examination. If cancer cells are found in the surrounding tissue you may need a further operation to remove more of your surrounding tissue.

 

Mastectomy

This is where the whole breast is removed. If you have the breast removed this can be followed by reconstructive surgery. Most mastectomies are performed as day cases, which means you will go home the same day as surgery.

 

Surgery to the lymph nodes

If investigations show that your cancer has spread to your lymph nodes, you may need to have all or most of them removed. This is known as an axillary clearance and will be done at the same time as your breast surgery. If you require an axillary clearance you will be referred to Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, which is the specialist centre for this procedure.

 

Learn more about cancer surgery at Royal Surrey.

 

Further information about the surgical options for breast cancer patients is available on the Breast Cancer Now website (opens in a new tab). 

Oncological treatments

 

Chemotherapy

This is a cancer treatment which uses medicine to kill cancer cells. You may be given chemotherapy before or after surgery.

Discover more about receiving chemotherapy at Royal Surrey Cancer Centre.

Further information is also available on the Breast Cancer Now website (opens in new tab).

 

Radiotherapy

After surgery you may be offered radiotherapy. This involves using radiation to kill cancer cells. If you need radiotherapy, your breast reconstruction may have to wait until after you have completed treatment.

Find out more about radiotherapy at Royal Surrey Cancer Centre.

Further information about radiotherapy treatment is also available on the Breast Cancer Now (opens in new tab).