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What is breast reconstruction, and when can I have it done?

Surgery can treat breast cancer in different ways. A mastectomy removes the breast that has cancer. A lumpectomy removes the tumor but keeps the breast.

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Breast cancer surgery sometimes removes all or part of the breast. A mastectomy — surgery to remove the breast — is one common option. A lumpectomy removes the tumor and some tissue around it, but keeps the breast itself. Which surgery is recommended depends on factors like the stage of the cancer, the size of the tumor, and the size of the breast. Our current sources do not include details about breast reconstruction. Your care team is the best place to ask about what reconstruction options may be available to you and when they can happen.

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This page is educational, not medical advice. Talk with your care team about decisions that apply to you. If something feels urgent, contact your care team — for emergencies call your local emergency number.

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