• A lumpectomy removes a portion of the breast and is done to diagnose or treat breast cancer.
• A mastectomy removes the breast (and usually the nipple). Factors that help determine whether this is the best option are the tumor size relative to the breast size, the number and location of tumors in the breast, family history and personal preferences.
• If you choose to have a mastectomy, breast reconstruction surgery may follow. You will work with your care team to decide if and when you may choose have this surgery.
• Sentinel lymph node mapping (sentinel node biopsy) helps determine if breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Before the surgery, the patient may receive two injections:
• A radioactive substance is injected into the breast several hours or a day before surgery.
• Immediately before surgery, a blue dye is also injected near the tumor.

Both dyes move through the lymphatic system and identify the sentinel lymph node, the node to which cancer typically first spreads.

During the surgery, the sentinel lymph node(s) is removed. A pathologist examines it for signs of cancer. If no cancer is seen, more nodes are taken out during this operation. The following additional pathology studies are performed on this node(s). If cells are found by these special studies, additional surgery may be performed at a later date to remove more lymph notes.

• shrink a breast tumor as much as possible before surgery
• prevent cancer from returning after surgery
• provide temporary relief of breast cancer symptoms
• treat breast tumors that cannot be removed with surgery.

• Tamoxifen and toremifene (Fareston) temporarily block estrogen receptors on breast cancer cells, preventing estrogen from binding to them. They are taken daily as a pill.
• Fulvestrant (Faslodex) eliminates estrogen receptors on breast cancer cells. It is given as an injection.
• Aromatase inhibitors block an enzyme that makes small amounts of estrogen in post-menopausal women. Taken as pills, they include letrozole (Femara), anastrozole (Arimidex), and exemestane (Aromasin).

Hormone therapy for breast cancer differs from hormone replacement therapy, a treatment for menopause symptoms.

Survival statistics offer general information; they do not determine anyone's personal outlook or breast cancer prognosis. Ask your doctor or other breast cancer care team member how such numbers apply to you.

The numbers on the table above are based on women who were diagnosed with breast cancer between 1988 and 2001.

Metastatic breast cancer began in the breast, but can spread beyond that area. It can go to lymph nodes, in the armpit or to other organs like the lungs, liver, bones, etc.

Cancer is named according to where in the body it began. If cancer began in the breast and spread to another part of the body, for example, the lungs, it will still be called breast cancer or metastatic breast cancer.

Your lymphatic vessels are a network of thin vessels that help move lymph fluid through your body and lymph nodes. This process helps drain extra fluid from body tissue.

Your lymph nodes filter the lymphatic fluid and help protect you from infection.

When lymph nodes are removed or treated with radiation, your lymphatic system is damaged. This protein-rich lymphatic fluid can build up in your tissues and cause swelling.

• tight-fitting clothing or jewelry
• heavy, tight feeling in your arm or leg
• tingling feeling in your arms or legs
• swelling of body parts
• aching feeling in your arm or leg or an arm or leg that becomes tired more easily
• burning sensation in arms or legs.

• Exercise is important to stimulate the flow of lymph fluids. A specific exercise program will be created just for you. It will have flexibility, strengthening and aerobic (heart) exercises. You will learn how to do this exercise program at home.
• Education is important because if you have lymphedema, you have a higher risk of getting infections. You will learn the signs of infection and to care for your skin. If you follow these precautions, your risk can be lowered. You will also learn what activities may increase your risk (such as working in a garden) and how you can adapt those activities to fit your needs.
• Compression therapy uses pressure with low-stretch bandages supports your lymphatic vessels. This helps keep the lymph fluid moving. You will learn how to put on the bandages, and when and how often you should wear them. When appropriate, you will be fit for compression garment(s).
• Massage (manual lymphatic drainage) can help break down the lymph fluid and move it to other areas of your body. Massage also stimulates growth of tissue to help with moving the fluid.