Watch below as I discuss the different types of breast implants. The first “breast augmentation” surgery was done in...
Breast Lumpectomy
Evolution of Breast Lumpectomy

Throughout history and to this day, surgery has had a major role in the treatment of breast cancer. In the late 19th century, the standard surgery for breast cancer was the radical mastectomy. This surgical procedure removed the breast, chest muscle, and all surrounding lymph nodes (small lumps of immune tissue).
By the mid 20th century, the standard surgery shifted towards the modified radical mastectomy, which did not remove the chest muscle. Some patients did not tolerate the psychological and social implications of losing their breast. Others developed severe swelling of the arm as a result of the removal of lymph nodes. Because of these drawbacks, breast cancer surgery shifted towards a breast conserving approach towards the end of the 20th century.
Early recognition through increased use of mammogram screening contributed to this shift since tumors were often recognized earlier at a smaller size. In most cases, breast conserving surgery, or lumpectomy, involves removal of the tumor and a small rim of surrounding tissue, while keeping the healthy breast tissue in place. Lumpectomy often involves post-operative radiation and may involve sampling of the lymph nodes that drain the breast.
Whether or not a patient is eligible for breast conserving surgery often depends on multiple factors to include tumor characteristics and patient preference. Sometimes, if a surgeon is not able to confidently feel the area that needs to be removed, new technologies are used to help localize the area of cancer or DCIS.
Related Technologies
The cavity left over from the removed tissue often fills with fluid that eventually scars down over several years....
Better screening and improved breast cancer awareness has led to some cancers being identified before they are able to...
Sientra High-Strength Cohesive (HSC) Gel Opus Luxe round gel implants reflect the latest advancements in implant technology. These implants...
Surgical implantation of material into the breast began in the early 20th century. After trial and error with numerous...