TriangleFOR PATIENTS · SOURCE READING
Will I need more 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 | After surgery, if there are cancer cells at the edge of the removed breast tissue, then you may need more surgery to make sure that all the cancer is removed. |
|---|---|
| Mastectomy | If you have problems after your mastectomy, you may need more surgery. |
| Mastectomy with reconstruction | You will most likely need more than one surgery to build a new breast-like shape. The number of surgeries you need will depend on the type of reconstruction you have and if you choose to have a nipple or areola added.Some women may also decide to have surgery on the opposite breast to help it better match the reconstructed breast.If you have an implant, you are likely to need surgery many years later to remove or replace it. |
With all three surgeries, you may need more surgery to remove lymph nodes from under your arm to see how far the cancer has spread.
Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice