Breast cancer recurrence can be discouraging, but advancements in breast cancer surgery in Lone Tree offer hope. If you’re facing breast cancer recurrence, understanding your surgical choices at Western Surgical Care can help you move forward with recovery.

Why Does Breast Cancer Come Back?

Breast cancer can return for a variety of reasons. Some cancer cells may remain in the breast or nearby tissue after surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. Over time, these cells can multiply, leading to breast cancer recurrence. Recurrence can be classified into three main types: local, regional, and distant.

Local recurrence means the cancer returns in the same breast, chest wall, or nearby lymph nodes. Regional recurrence, on the other hand, refers to cancer spreading to surrounding areas, such as the collarbone or chest muscles.

Distant recurrence is when breast cancer appears in other parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, or lungs. Factors like tumor type, initial treatment effectiveness, and genetic predisposition can influence the likelihood of recurrence.

If breast cancer returns, a thorough evaluation will determine the best course of action.

What to Do If Breast Cancer Recurs

Contact your doctor and surgeon immediately if you experience symptoms such as a new lump, skin changes, or unexplained pain. Imaging tests, biopsies, and bloodwork can confirm whether the cancer has returned and help assess its extent. Once confirmed, your care team will discuss the most effective treatment options, which often include recurrent breast cancer surgery.

Surgical Options for Recurrent Breast Cancer

Surgery remains a key treatment for breast cancer recurrence, especially for local or regional cases. Depending on your previous treatment and the location of the recurrence, your surgeon may recommend one of the following procedures:

Breast-Conserving Surgery (Lumpectomy)

For small, localized recurrences, a lumpectomy may be possible. This procedure removes only the cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible. However, additional radiation may not be an option if you have already undergone radiation therapy.

Mastectomy

If the recurrence is more extensive, a mastectomy may be necessary. This procedure involves removing the entire breast to eliminate cancerous cells. Depending on your case, you may also need a skin-sparing, nipple-sparing, or double mastectomy.

Skin-sparing mastectomy preserves as much skin as possible for reconstruction. Nipple-sparing mastectomy, on the other hand, retains the nipple and surrounding tissue when feasible.

Double mastectomy is more invasive and removes both breasts, often considered if there is a high genetic risk of recurrence.

Lymph Node Surgery

If cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, your surgeon may perform a lymph node dissection to remove affected nodes and reduce the risk of further spread.

Advanced Breast Surgery with Reconstruction

For many women, breast reconstruction can be performed at the same time as cancer surgery or in a separate procedure later. Options include implant-based or autologous reconstruction.

Implant-based reconstruction uses silicone or saline implants. Meanwhile, autologous reconstruction uses tissue from another part of the body, such as the abdomen or back.

These options can help restore the appearance of the breast while prioritizing cancer treatment.

Additional Support and Next Steps

Coping with recurrent breast cancer requires not just medical care but also emotional and financial support. At Western Surgical Care, we provide resources to help you through this process, including financing options to assist with treatment costs. If you’re seeking expert care from a general surgeon in Lone Tree, we’re here to help.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’ve been diagnosed with recurrent breast cancer in Lone Tree, explore surgical options at Western Surgical Care. Our board-certified surgeons specialize in advanced breast surgery with compassionate care. Schedule a consultation today to discuss the best approach for your health, well-being, and recovery.