Oncoplastic surgery is a fancy name for a procedure that makes it easier for women with breast cancer to avoid a mastectomy by having a lumpectomy and a breast lift/reduction at the same time.

Normally, a  breast cancer can be treated by a lumpectomy only if the tumor is in a good location and is small compared to the size of the breast.  If a lumpectomy and radiation is done under non-ideal circumstances, as with a relatively large tumor, the woman's breast can be permanently deformed. Oncoplastic techniques allow a larger lumpectomy to be performed by the breast surgeon and then the plastic surgeon will sculpt the remaining breast tissue into a normal appearing breast.  This is done by  performing a breast reduction or lift on the remaining tissue and on the opposite breast to create symmetry.

A breast reduction involves the classic "anchor" incisions: around the areola, down the front of the breast and in the fold beneath the breast. In most cases, sensation to the nipple is preserved.  Occasionally, due to a lack of blood supply, the nipple may need to be removed and replaced as a free graft.  In these cases, there is a permanent loss of sensation to the nipple.

There are several advantages to Oncoplastic Surgery:

1.  A breast cancer patient who might otherwise be a bad candidate for keeping her breast can now do so;

2. The post-operative radiation is better tolerated in a smaller breast;

3. Pre-operative symptoms of breast enlargement  are usually relieved;

4. It is much safer than trying to "fix" a breast that is distorted following radiation therapy.

This type of procedure is applicable to patients who have extra skin and breast tissue at the time of their cancer diagnosis.  Smaller-breasted  patients can still have a standard lumpectomy.  Women who are interested in avoiding mastectomies should discuss this procedure with their surgeons.