Breast Cancer Surgery in Cairo: Lumpectomy, Mastectomy and Sentinel Node Biopsy
Breast cancer surgery removes the tumour with a margin of healthy tissue, either by keeping the breast (lumpectomy) or by removing it (mastectomy), and checks the lymph nodes in the armpit. It is one part of cancer surgery for breast cancer, planned alongside radiotherapy, chemotherapy or hormone therapy by a multidisciplinary team.
Choosing between lumpectomy and mastectomy
For many women, breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy or wide local excision) followed by radiotherapy controls the cancer as effectively as mastectomy. It suits tumours that can be removed with clear margins while leaving a breast with an acceptable shape.
A mastectomy may be recommended when the tumour is large relative to the breast, when there are several areas of cancer, when radiotherapy is not possible, or when a patient prefers it. Your wishes matter, and you will be given time to decide rather than being rushed.
Diagnosis, staging and the tumour board
Diagnosis rests on the triple assessment: clinical examination, imaging (mammogram and ultrasound, sometimes MRI) and a core needle biopsy. The biopsy also shows the hormone-receptor and HER2 status, which shapes the whole treatment plan.
At the tumour board, the surgeon, oncologist, radiologist and pathologist decide whether surgery comes first or whether neoadjuvant chemotherapy should shrink the tumour beforehand, which can make breast conservation possible for some patients.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy and the armpit
When the armpit nodes look normal, a sentinel lymph node biopsy removes only the first one to few nodes that drain the breast, found using a tracer injected before surgery. If these are clear, a full axillary clearance is usually avoided, which lowers the risk of arm swelling.
If cancer is already confirmed in the nodes, more extensive surgery or radiotherapy to the armpit may be recommended. The extent is tailored to each case.
Risks, including lymphoedema
Possible risks include bleeding, seroma (a fluid collection), wound infection, numbness in the inner arm and shoulder stiffness. After a lumpectomy, a further operation is sometimes needed if the pathology shows cancer close to the margin.
Lymphoedema, a long-term swelling of the arm, is a key risk to know about. It is less common after sentinel node biopsy than after full axillary clearance. Arm exercises, early attention to swelling and physiotherapy all help, and your team will show you what to watch for.
Reconstruction, support and what surgery cannot do
Breast reconstruction can be discussed before a mastectomy, either at the same time or later, and a referral to a plastic surgeon can be arranged. Emotional support for you and your family is part of good care, not an extra.
Surgery removes the visible cancer, but many patients still need radiotherapy, chemotherapy or hormone therapy to lower the risk of recurrence. Some women with breast lumps also have neck swellings; thyroid surgery is covered on its own page.
Recovery timeline
Lumpectomy is often a day case; after mastectomy most women stay a night or two. A drain may be placed and its care explained.
Gentle arm exercises begin as advised. Pathology results are discussed at the tumour board and the next treatment is planned.
Return to work and driving as comfort allows, typically sooner after lumpectomy than after mastectomy. Radiotherapy or chemotherapy begins once the wound has healed.
Cost & what’s included
The cost of breast cancer surgery depends on the type of operation, whether sentinel node biopsy or reconstruction is included, the hospital and length of stay. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are arranged separately with your oncology team. A personalised quote follows your consultation.
A personalised quote
You receive a detailed quote after your assessment, covering the surgeon, anaesthesia, hospital and stay.
Frequently asked questions
Is lumpectomy as safe as mastectomy?
For suitable patients, breast-conserving surgery followed by radiotherapy gives long-term survival comparable to mastectomy, as shown in large clinical trials. Suitability depends on tumour size, position and number of areas involved, and on whether radiotherapy is possible. Your team will explain which options are open to you.
How long does breast cancer surgery take?
A lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy usually takes about one to two hours, and a mastectomy can take a little longer, especially if reconstruction is performed at the same time. Most women go home the same day or after one to two nights.
What is lymphoedema and can it be prevented?
Lymphoedema is persistent swelling of the arm caused by disruption of lymph drainage after nodes are removed or treated. It cannot always be prevented, but the risk is lower with sentinel node biopsy, and early recognition, exercise and physiotherapy help keep it under control.
Will I need radiotherapy after surgery?
Radiotherapy is usually recommended after a lumpectomy to treat the remaining breast tissue. After a mastectomy, it may be advised depending on the tumour size and lymph node findings. The decision is made at the tumour board once the final pathology is available.
Can I have breast reconstruction?
Many women can, either during the mastectomy or as a later operation. The right timing depends on whether radiotherapy is planned, general health and personal preference. A consultation with a plastic surgeon helps you understand the options before deciding.
References
- Breast Cancer Treatment (PDQ) – Patient Version — National Cancer Institute
- Surgery for Breast Cancer — American Cancer Society
- Lumpectomy — Mayo Clinic
- Breast cancer in women – Treatment — NHS
This information is general education and does not replace a medical examination. Treatment decisions are made after assessing your case.
Have a question about your case?
Send your question and the clinic team will contact you to arrange a consultation, usually within the same working day.
- An honest assessment of your case
- A clear plan before any decision
- A detailed quote after examination