TriangleFOR PATIENTS · SOURCE READING
What other problems might I have from breast cancer surgery?
Source: Choosing Between a Lumpectomy and Mastectomy, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: December 2, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.
NCI patient treatment article for this disease Exact source article; not a clinically reviewed indication or current-standard recommendation.
| Lumpectomy or other breast-conserving surgery | You may feel very tired and have skin changes from radiation therapy. |
|---|---|
| Mastectomy | You may feel out of balance if you had large breasts and do not have reconstruction surgery. This may also lead to neck and shoulder pain. |
| Mastectomy with reconstruction | You may not like how your breast-like shape looks. If you have an implant, your breast may harden and can become painful. If your implant breaks or leaks you may need more surgery. If you have tissue flap reconstruction, you may lose strength in the part of your body where a muscle was removed. |
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If lymph nodes are removed from under your arm, you may develop lymphedema. Learn more about Lymphedema.
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Learn about local and systemic treatments and access in-depth information about each type of treatment.
Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice