Surgical management of breast cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To review the surgical treatment options for breast cancer and breast reconstruction options following mastectomy.


METHODS
Clinical and research articles, textbook chapters, and clinical practice.


CONCLUSIONS
Advances have been made in the surgical treatment of breast cancer, and options for less invasive procedures are now available. Patients are often faced with difficult decisions when trying to choose the best treatment option.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses play an integral role in providing patients with the physical, educational, and emotional skills necessary to help them make appropriate surgical decisions and return to optimal health after their treatment.
Baron
Roberta H
RH
Ambulatory Care Nursing, Breast Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA. baronr@mskcc.org
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000379:methods; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000628:therapy; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy