It is also known as primary treatment. There are two main types of surgical treatment. For most women, both types are equally effective in treating breast cancer. Other terms used for this operation are lumpectomy, wide excision, partial mastectomy, quadrantectomy and segmental mastectomy. Usually, most of the breast will not be affected by the operation.
Breast conserving treatment usually also involves radiation therapy, usually after surgery.
Radiation therapy uses X-rays to kill any cancer cells that may be in the remaining part of the breast after the operation. In this operation, the whole breast is removed. The chest muscles behind the breast are not removed. Usually, radiation therapy is not needed but may be given in some cases. Mastectomy Chapters 4 and 5 describe in more detail what is involved in each surgical treatment.