What surgical intervention is recommended for patients diagnosed with breast cancer?

Mastectomy is often recommended for patients diagnosed with breast cancer, especially in specific situations such as when the cancer is extensive, recurrent, or when the patient prefers this option over breast conservation. A mastectomy involves the surgical removal of one or both breasts and may be considered more appropriate in cases where there is a high risk of cancer recurrence or when the tumor size relative to breast size makes conservative surgery less favorable.

While lumpectomy, which is the removal of the tumor with a margin of surrounding tissue, is an alternative treatment option that allows for breast conservation, the choice of surgical intervention typically depends on factors such as the stage of cancer, tumor characteristics, and the patient's overall health and preferences.

Radiation therapy is used post-operatively in many cases to reduce the risk of local recurrence, particularly after lumpectomy, rather than serving as a primary surgical intervention. A sentinel lymph node biopsy may be performed as part of the staging process to assess the spread of cancer but does not constitute a standalone primary treatment for breast cancer. Thus, the recommendation for mastectomy will depend on comprehensive evaluation by the medical team regarding the specifics of the patient's condition.