Personalized care:
Choosing the right breast cancer surgery is a big decision. We go over all your options and listen to your goals. From there, we help you decide which procedure is best for you.
Locations:
Getting rid of the cancer is the first step toward healing.
If you have breast cancer or are at a high risk of developing it, a lumpectomy or mastectomy may be the first important part of your treatment plan. And if you need breast cancer surgery (or choose to have it), there are probably a million emotions, questions and concerns bubbling up to the surface.
That’s where we come in. Our industry-leading team of breast surgeons and medical oncologists (cancer specialists) have years of experience doing lumpectomies and mastectomies. We know surgery isn’t easy and might make you anxious. But you’re in good hands with us. We’ll take the time to answer all those questions churning around in your head and help you feel confident before, during and after surgery.
Choosing the right breast cancer surgery is a big decision. We go over all your options and listen to your goals. From there, we help you decide which procedure is best for you.
Your breast cancer surgery team includes breast surgeons, medical oncologists (healthcare providers that specialize in targeted cancer treatments like chemotherapy), plastic surgeons and radiation oncologists (healthcare providers that specialize in radiation therapy for cancer). Together, these experts will personalize your treatment and coordinate your care with other providers, like genetic counselors, psychologists, social workers and nurse navigators (registered providers who guide and advocate for you throughout treatment).
Our surgeons are highly skilled and experienced breast cancer specialists. They do hundreds of lumpectomies and mastectomies each year. They also train future breast surgeons and are national and global leaders in cancer research. Meet our team.
We understand that facing a lumpectomy or mastectomy can be very emotional. Our compassionate breast cancer team is there for you — from the moment you get the news to ongoing care after your surgery.
We use our research to offer you the latest surgery techniques. Our surgeons are among the few in the country to routinely bring sensation (feeling) back to your breast after a mastectomy. We also specialize in preventing lymphedema (swelling in your arms and legs after surgery).
There may be some days when lying on the couch might sound a whole lot better than going to an appointment. On those days you might be able to take advantage of virtual visits. This option is offered by some of our providers for for some appointments. You’ll get the same great care but from the comfort of your home using your smartphone, tablet or computer.
The National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) has recognized us for providing high-quality care coordinated by a team of breast cancer specialists. Cleveland Clinic is a trusted healthcare leader. We're recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for our expertise and care.
At Cleveland Clinic, you’ll have a compassionate team of experts by your side. You can turn to us for any question or concern throughout your cancer care journey. The first thing you’ll do is meet with your breast surgery team to talk about your goals and what to expect before, during and after surgery. We’ll also take a detailed medical history. What we learn in this meeting helps us recommend the best surgery for you.
Here’s what you might talk about with your breast surgery team:
Facing a lumpectomy or mastectomy can be overwhelming. You want to feel completely comfortable and confident with the care you receive. That’s why we encourage second opinions. Our breast surgeons and medical oncologists will spend time with you, helping you wrap your head around the surgery options and what to expect. Getting a second opinion can help you feel in control of your care. And you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re in the most capable hands.
If you decide to have a lumpectomy or mastectomy at Cleveland Clinic, you’ll have a whole team of dedicated, experienced and compassionate experts on your side. Your team might include:
Our healthcare providers see patients at convenient locations throughout Northeast Ohio and Florida.
There are two surgeries to remove breast cancer: lumpectomy and mastectomy. Lumpectomy removes part of your breast. It’s sometimes called a partial mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery. Mastectomy removes your whole breast. You may be able to choose between the two. Or, depending on your diagnosis, a mastectomy may be the only option. Your breast surgeon and oncologist will talk with you about which surgery is best for you.
If you have small, early-stage breast cancer, your healthcare provider might recommend a lumpectomy. In this procedure, your surgeon removes the tumor and a small rim of normal tissue surrounding it. They may also talk to you about taking out some of your lymph nodes at the same time to make sure the cancer hasn’t spread.
To prevent lymphedema (swelling in your arms and hands), our surgeons do lymphatic reconstruction right away after taking out your lymph nodes. Radiation therapy is usually the next step after following a lumpectomy.
Mastectomy is the most common surgery for breast cancer. It can treat both late-stage and early-stage cancers. If you’re at a high risk for developing breast cancer, you might choose to have a mastectomy as a precaution. There are several types of mastectomies, including:
Losing feeling (sensation) in your breast is common after a mastectomy. Our surgeons are among the few in the country to routinely bring sensation (feeling) back to your breast.
After a mastectomy, you’ll stay overnight in the hospital for a few days. It may be longer if you have breast reconstruction at the same time. If you have a lumpectomy, you can usually go home the same day, unless we remove some of your lymph nodes.
When it’s time to go home, your providers will give you detailed instructions on how to care for yourself after surgery. You may be sore and have trouble moving your arms for a bit afterward. But your provider will give you medicine and exercises to help with that. You might also feel really tired for a week or two, so getting a little help at home might be a good idea.
A few weeks after surgery, you’ll meet with your breast surgeon again for a follow-up visit to see how you’re healing. Your medical oncologist will also reach out with the next steps in your treatment plan.
Deciding to have breast reconstruction is a very personal decision. There are several options, so talking with your provider about what’s available and best for you is really important. If you decide to have reconstruction, you can usually do it right after your lumpectomy or mastectomy. Or you can wait and have this surgery later (delayed reconstruction).
Learning that you might need a lumpectomy or mastectomy can come with a lot of questions about what’s next. At Cleveland Clinic, we want to help you take that next step. Our medical oncologists, breast cancer surgeons and specialists are ready to give you the best, most compassionate care you’ll find anywhere. We are by your side, answering questions and supporting you. Breast cancer surgery isn’t easy, but it’s easier with the right team by your side.
Getting an appointment with Cleveland Clinic breast surgeons is easy. We’re here to help you get the care you need.
Manage your Cleveland Clinic account. Find billing information and financial assistance, plus FAQs.
Securely access your personal health information at any time, day or night.
Learning you have cancer can be stressful, shocking and challenging. From the moment you get the news, you're a survivor. As you face the challenges that go along with cancer treatment and recovery — physical and emotional — we’ll be right there with you.
At Cleveland Clinic, survivorship care is one part of your journey. We offer a wide range of services, resources, clinics and support groups to help with any physical, emotional, financial and spiritual needs you might have related to your cancer diagnosis. Lending a helping hand along the way, we want you to not only survive, but thrive on this journey and beyond.
Health LibraryFind answers to your health questions from experts you can trust. It's like having a friend who's a doctor.