Breast Surgery

Breast Conditions Dr. Abbassi Treats

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. When breast cancer is diagnosed, surgery is a cornerstone of treatment. The type of surgery recommended depends on the tumor size, location, stage, and the patient's preferences.

Breast Masses and Suspicious Findings

Not all breast lumps are cancerous. Fibroadenomas, cysts, and other benign conditions can present as palpable masses or as findings on mammography or ultrasound. When a mass is suspicious or when biopsy results are inconclusive, surgical excision may be recommended for definitive diagnosis.

Benign Breast Conditions

Conditions such as chronic breast abscesses, painful cysts that do not respond to drainage, and intraductal papillomas may benefit from surgical treatment when conservative management is insufficient.

Surgical Procedures

Lumpectomy (Breast-Conserving Surgery)

A lumpectomy removes the tumor along with a margin of normal surrounding tissue, preserving the remainder of the breast. For early-stage breast cancer, lumpectomy combined with radiation therapy has been shown to provide long-term survival outcomes equivalent to mastectomy in appropriately selected patients. This approach is also known as partial mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

When breast cancer is present, it is important to determine whether cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes in the axilla (armpit). The sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node to which cancer cells are most likely to drain. By identifying and removing only the sentinel node(s), the surgeon can accurately stage the cancer while minimizing the risk of lymphedema — a potential complication of removing many lymph nodes. If the sentinel node is clear, removal of additional lymph nodes is not necessary.

Excisional Biopsy

An excisional biopsy removes an entire breast lump or suspicious area for pathologic examination. This may be both diagnostic and therapeutic — removing the concerning tissue and providing a definitive diagnosis.

What to Expect

• Before surgery: A thorough discussion of your diagnosis, surgical options, and what to expect during recovery
• Procedure: Lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy are typically outpatient procedures performed under general anesthesia
• Recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within one to two weeks. Specific restrictions depend on the extent of surgery
• Follow-up: Pathology results are reviewed together, and Dr. Abbassi coordinates next steps with your oncology team

The Importance of Screening

Early detection through regular mammography screening is the most effective way to catch breast cancer at a treatable stage. The American Cancer Society recommends annual screening mammograms for women beginning at age 40 for those at average risk. If you have a family history of breast cancer, talk with your physician about whether earlier or more frequent screening is appropriate.

When to See a Surgeon

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, have a suspicious breast mass, or have been referred by your primary care physician or gynecologist for a breast concern, schedule a consultation with Dr. Abbassi at his Rockwall or McKinney, TX office to discuss your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does lumpectomy surgery take?

A lumpectomy typically takes one to two hours, depending on whether sentinel lymph node biopsy is performed at the same time. Most patients go home the same day.

Will I need radiation after lumpectomy?

In most cases, yes. Radiation therapy after lumpectomy reduces the risk of local recurrence and is a standard part of breast-conserving treatment for cancer. Your oncologist will discuss the specific radiation plan with you.