TriangleFOR PATIENTS · SOURCE READING
Which type of breast cancer surgery is best for my cancer?
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 | Most women with DCIS or breast cancer can choose to have a lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery), usually followed by radiation therapy. |
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| Mastectomy | Most women with DCIS or breast cancer can choose to have a mastectomy. A mastectomy may be a better choice for you if:you have small breasts and a large area of DCIS or canceryou have DCIS or cancer in more than one part of your breastthe DCIS or cancer is under the nippleyou are not able or prefer not to receive radiation therapy |
| Mastectomy with reconstruction | If you have a mastectomy, you might also want breast reconstruction surgery. You can choose to have reconstruction surgery at the same time as your mastectomy or wait and have it later. Your surgeon can talk with you about how much skin, including the nipple and areola, might be preserved for reconstruction. |
Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice