Cancer Articles (Dr. S.N White)

In the radical mastectomy (also known as the Halsted mastectomy) the doctor removes the breast tissue, the lymph nodes under the armpit, and the muscle under the breast. The modified radical, which most surgeons are now using, removes the breast tissue and the lymph nodes, but the muscle is left intact. The advantage of the modified radical is that it is cosmetically more attractive and does not handicap the motion of the arm. Studies indicate that the survival rate for the two operations is the same. Is the choice of what surgical procedure I will have up to me or up to the doctor? Of course your doctor is responsible for the surgery. But he cannot perform any operation unless you give your signed consent to have it done. You should have your doctor give you his complete explanation of what he recommends as his bestjudgment and ask him all the questions that concern you about the operation. Do not sign anything until you are certain you understand what you are signing. It is your r...

The surgery of curable breast cancer is controversial principally in regard to whether the breast alone should be removed (a simple mastectomy) or whether the breast should be removed together with the underlying chest wall muscles and the contents of the armpit (a radical mastectomy). The latter has been the procedure advised in most medical centers in this country. In cases of old age or poor general condition, the simpler procedure is always chosen. Sometimes only the tumor is removed, leaving the remainder of the breast intact. This has been termed a lumpectomy. Some surgeons also do more extensive operations that entail removing part of the chest wall (a super radical mastectomy). Others do only a simple breast removal and later give radiation treatments. Each has its place. Just as one size dress does not fit everybody, so the operative procedure is tailored to fit the needs of the individual patient, insofar as we know how to do this.