Breast Cancer Surgery: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Breast Cancer Surgery?
A breast surgeon, a surgeon who treats breast problems, usually performs breast cancer surgery. You may also meet a medical oncologist, a cancer doctor who gives chemotherapy or hormone therapy. A radiation oncologist is a cancer doctor who gives radiation therapy. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Most women with breast cancer have some type of surgery to remove the cancer. Breast-conserving surgery, also called a lumpectomy, removes the cancer and some normal tissue around it. The rest of the breast stays in place. A mastectomy removes the entire breast.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Surgery to remove a breast cancer is most often the first step in treatment. A lumpectomy is often preferred for smaller lumps. It is a smaller operation with about the same chance of curing breast cancer as a mastectomy. A mastectomy may be done if the cancer area is too large. It may also be done if there are several tumors that cannot be removed without deforming the breast.
How to prepare
Common preparation steps include the following.
- You may have blood and imaging tests, such as a CT scan or bone scan. They check if the cancer has spread.
- Tell your surgeon if you are or could be pregnant, and about any medicines or supplements you take.
- You may be asked to stop taking blood thinners, medicines that keep your blood from clotting. Ask your surgeon which medicines to still take on the day of surgery, and follow your surgeon's instructions.
- If you smoke, cut back or quit. Smoking can slow healing and raise the risk of blood clots.
What happens during it
For a mastectomy you get general anesthesia, so you are asleep and feel no pain. For a lumpectomy, the surgeon makes a small cut and removes the lump and some normal tissue around it. A modified radical mastectomy also removes some lymph nodes under the arm. One or two small plastic drains are very often left in the chest to remove extra fluid. To check the underarm lymph nodes, a surgeon may inject a dye. Only the nodes that take up the dye are removed. This is called a sentinel lymph node biopsy.
Recovery
A lumpectomy is done as outpatient surgery, so you go home the same day, most of the time. Most women can go back to usual activities in a week or so. Avoid heavy lifting and jogging for 1 to 2 weeks. Watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or drainage from the cut. After a mastectomy, most women stay in the hospital for 24 hours, though some go home the day of surgery. The pain is worst in the first few days and then goes away over several weeks.
Risks and side effects
Risks of lump removal include bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, heart attack, stroke, and death. Medicine reactions and anesthesia risks are also possible. Your breast may have dimples, a scar, or a different shape from the other breast. A mastectomy can cause skin loss, an opened wound, bleeding, or a seroma. A seroma is a pocket of fluid. Lymphedema, or arm swelling, is not common after a mastectomy. It can be an ongoing problem. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop, trouble breathing, or chest pain or discomfort lasting for two minutes or more.
Who performs it
A breast surgeon performs breast cancer surgery.
Common questions
Is a lumpectomy or a mastectomy better?
Neither is better for everyone, and many women with early-stage breast cancer can choose between them. For early-stage cancer in people who can have either surgery, the chance of survival is the same for breast-conserving surgery with radiation as for mastectomy alone.
Will I need more treatment after breast cancer surgery?
Yes, you may need more treatment after surgery. A lumpectomy is most often followed by radiation therapy. Chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or both may follow too.
Can I have breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery?
Yes, many people have the option of breast reconstruction after surgery to remove breast cancer. It can be done at the same time as the surgery or later.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Before surgery, your surgeon may ask you to see your provider who treats other conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease.
Sources
- American Cancer Society - Surgery for Breast Cancer
- MedlinePlus - Mastectomy
- MedlinePlus - Breast lump removal
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
