Surgery is still the mainstay of treatment for breast cancer. However, that surgery is not the same type of surgery that women underwent years ago. For example, the radical mastectomy – a procedure that involves removing the chest muscles as well as breast tissue and auxiliary lymph nodes-- is no longer considered any more effective than a simple mastectomy or, when the tumor is confined to the breast, a lumpectomy.

Types of surgery options may include surgery to conserve the breast such as:

• Lumpectomy - the removal of the lump in the breast and some of the tissue around it. Usually followed by radiation therapy to the part of the breast that remains. Some of the lymph nodes under the arm may also be taken. 

• Partial or segmental mastectomy - removal of the cancer as well as some of the breast tissue around the tumor and the lining over the chest muscles below the tumor. Usually some of the lymph nodes under the arm are taken out. In most cases, radiation therapy follows. 

• Total or simple mastectomy - removal of the whole breast. Lymph nodes are sometimes also taken.

• Modified radical mastectomy - removal of the breast, lymph nodes, the lining over the chest muscles, and sometimes a portion of the chest wall muscles. This is the most common operation for breast cancer. 

• Radical mastectomy - removal of the breast, chest muscles, and all of the lymph nodes under the arm. This surgery is now used only when the tumor has spread to the chest muscles. 

Chemotherapy and radiation also are routine, either before or after surgery. These therapies are much more refined than they were even 10 years ago. Today, treatment is very directed, therefore lessening the side effects patients must deal with in many cases. Newer therapies, referred to as hormone therapy, are also showing promise. The drug Tamoxifen citrate (brand name Nolvadex) is an antihormone drug that helps to block the effects of estrogen on breast tissue and thereby reduce the risk of a recurrence of cancer. It has been used for more than 10 years now and the results are fairly good for women who have estrogen-sensitive cancers. It is also being used in trials to determine if there is a preventive benefit from the drug.

The National Cancer Institute has information that can help you in understanding aspects of your treatment, including physicial and emotional issues you may be dealing with.

The American Cancer Society presents an encompassing section on breast cancer treatment including: What you should ask your physician, New developments in research and treatment and What will happen after treatment.