Breast Cancer Surgery in Reading, PA & its Types

Once the initial diagnosis and procedures are complete, our doctor will recommend the best surgical procedure. The type of treatment depends upon a number of factors such as the size of the cancer, its position and also the stage of the cancer. As many of you may be aware, there are four stages of breast cancer; namely DCIS I, IIA, IIB and IIIA. Typically, when it comes to Breast Cancer Surgery in Reading, PA, you either have a choice of going for a Breast Sparing Surgery, where the cancer is removed completely while leaving most of the breast intact or having a Mastectomy. Though many doctors suggest the latter almost as soon as the cancer is diagnosed, a Breast Sparing Surgery is also as effective. One can lead a long and healthy life after the same if radiation therapy is carried out along with it. Studies have proved the same.

Apart from the conventional surgeries, there are also other methods of treatment such as hormone therapy, chemotherapy and even biological therapy. While the above are the exact sub-types of treatment, you can easily classify Breast Cancer Surgery in Reading, PA into two main types; local therapy or systematic therapy. Here is a detailed explanation about both:

Local Therapy:

A local therapy is one which is administered to the affected area and a certain portion around it. This therapy is known to be very effective in the treatment of breast cancer as it is more direct and hence, the effects are faster. Surgery and radiation are two methods of local therapy. They are also employed when the cancerous cells have spread to multiple parts of the body.

Systematic Therapy:

Biological therapy, chemo therapy and hormone therapy are the different types of systematic therapies used for treating breast cancer. This treatment is administered through the human blood stream and all the affected cells are removed. They are very effective in treating cancer in the initial stages after Breast Cancer Surgery in Reading, PA has reduced the size of the tumor. These therapies are easy on the body as compared to local therapies as there is no cutting or dissection of the body required for treatment. Also, one does not get subject to harmful radioactive rays either.

Though many women today opt for local therapy, systematic therapy too can be employed after Breast Cancer Surgery in Reading, PA has taken care of the main cancerous cells.