TriangleFOR PATIENTS · SOURCE READING
Compare lumpectomy and mastectomy
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.
Context: Choosing Between a Lumpectomy and Mastectomy
Compare lumpectomy and mastectomy
If your surgeon gives you a choice about which surgery to have, it can be hard to decide which one is best for you. This section can help you compare the different surgeries. Learn how the surgeries are alike and how they are different by clicking on each question to learn more.
Which type of breast cancer surgery is best for my cancer?
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Will the type of surgery I have affect how long I live?
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What are the chances that my breast cancer will return in the same area?
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Will I have pain?
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How long before I can return to normal activities?
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What other problems might I have from the surgery?
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What other types of treatment might I need?
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Will I need more surgery?
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What will my breast look like after surgery?
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Will my breast have feeling after surgery?
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Will the type of surgery I choose affect my quality of life?
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Continue within this section
Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice