A woman with a small breast cancer might have, unknowingly, removal of a large amount of breast tissue. If substance has been removed from the breast, then it will result in a less symmetric outcome. We advocate removing the lump of cancer while maintaining as much of the normal breast as feasible. There are differences in technique and equipment and these should be explained. Also, timing and dosage are crucial.
Most women choose lumpectomy and radiation without actually knowing the cosmetic differences.
The options are basically cosmetic, and therefore viewing photographs of the different treatment outcomes is essential.