Choosing breast cancer surgery is an important step toward healing and protecting your long-term health. Many women consider surgery to remove cancer, lower the risk of it returning, or address changes found on imaging or biopsy. At Regency Specialties in Phoenix, our skilled surgical team provides clear guidance and personalized care so you understand your options and feel confident in your plan. Whether a lumpectomy, mastectomy, or lymph node procedure is recommended, we use proven techniques and thoughtful planning to support both your health and recovery.
Breast Conservation Therapy (Lumpectomy)
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Axillary sentinel lymph node surgery involves the removal of the lymph nodes under the arm where breast cancer cells may have spread. This surgery helps to evaluate the severity of the cancer and determine whether chemotherapy or radiation therapy is required.
Mastectomy
A mastectomy removes all of the breast tissue. It is typically done if breast conservation therapy is not an option, or if the patient has cancer in multiple areas of the breast and/or large tumors. There are multiple kinds of mastectomy, including:
Anesthesia
Surgical Preparation
Incisions
Incisions are strategically placed based on the type of surgery being performed and the tumor’s size and location. In a lumpectomy, the incision is typically made directly over or near the tumor to remove the cancerous tissue along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue. In a mastectomy, the incision is designed to allow the removal of the appropriate amount of breast tissue while preserving as much healthy skin as possible when indicated. Every incision is carefully planned to allow clear visualization and precise removal of targeted tissue.
Tumor and Tissue Removal
During a lumpectomy, the surgeon removes the tumor along with a small rim of normal tissue to help ensure clean margins. The specimen is often sent to pathology for immediate or detailed evaluation. In a mastectomy, all breast tissue is removed according to the specific surgical approach selected. If a nipple-sparing or skin-sparing technique is performed, those structures are preserved when oncologically appropriate. The surgical team works methodically to ensure complete removal of the targeted tissue while protecting nearby structures.
Lymph Node Assessment
If lymph node involvement needs to be evaluated, a sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary procedure is performed during the same operation. Using previously injected tracer material, the surgeon identifies and removes the first lymph nodes that drain the breast. These nodes are sent for pathological examination to determine whether cancer cells have spread beyond the breast. This step provides important staging information and guides additional treatment recommendations.
Surgical Closure
Our breast team at Regency Specialties is dedicated to educating breast cancer patients not only on their options but also on what to expect throughout the pre- and post-treatment journey. From the smallest details to the biggest, we encourage our patients to voice questions, concerns, fears, and struggles so that we can help in any way that we can. We will take you step-by-step through what to expect and how to navigate your path.
Immediately after surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery area as the anesthesia wears off. Medical staff will assess your vital signs, comfort level, and surgical site. Some soreness, tightness, or mild swelling in the chest and underarm area is common during this period. If surgical drains were placed, you will receive instructions on how they function. Most patients go home the same day, although discharge timing depends on the type of procedure performed and your overall condition.
During the first week, swelling and bruising typically peak and then gradually begin to improve. You may experience limited arm mobility, particularly if lymph nodes were removed. Pain is usually manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter medication as directed. Dressings may be changed, and the drain output (if present) will be monitored closely. Light walking is encouraged to promote circulation, but strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided.
By this stage, many patients notice improved comfort and mobility. Surgical drains are often removed once fluid output decreases to an appropriate level. Stitches or surgical adhesives may be evaluated during a follow-up appointment. Gentle range-of-motion exercises may be introduced to restore shoulder flexibility. Some firmness or numbness around the incision is normal as tissues continue healing internally.
Energy levels generally improve during this period. Swelling continues to resolve, and most daily activities can gradually resume with guidance from your surgeon. If additional treatments such as radiation therapy are recommended, they may begin during this timeframe, depending on your treatment plan. For select patients, partial breast radiation using brachytherapy techniques may be considered after adequate surgical healing has occurred.
Over the following months, scar tissue softens, and sensation may gradually return, though some areas of numbness can persist. Final contour and tissue settling become more apparent over time. Continued follow-up appointments allow your surgical team to monitor healing, review pathology results if needed, and coordinate any additional care to support your overall treatment plan.
Candidates for breast cancer surgery include women who have been diagnosed at any stage of the disease and are seeking effective treatment to remove cancerous tissue. Surgery may be recommended for early-stage tumors confined to the breast, as well as certain cases of advanced breast cancer when removal of the primary tumor is appropriate as part of a broader treatment plan. Eligibility depends on several factors, including tumor size, location, lymph node involvement, overall breast health, and findings from imaging or biopsy.
Some women pursue surgical evaluation after noticing breast pain, nipple discharge, skin changes, or a newly detected lump. Others may be referred following abnormal screening results. Your surgeon will carefully review the stage of the cancer, your medical history, and your personal goals to determine the most appropriate surgical approach.
In addition to medical considerations, we also recognize the importance of the emotional impact of a breast cancer diagnosis. Treatment decisions are not only about removing disease but also about preserving confidence, comfort, and quality of life. Each recommendation is tailored to your body and overall well-being to ensure care that supports both physical and emotional needs.
Breast cancer treatment plays a critical role in protecting your health, improving long-term outcomes, and restoring peace of mind. When guided by an experienced surgical team, treatment is designed to remove cancer effectively while supporting your overall well-being.
Removes cancerous tissue to eliminate or reduce the presence of disease
Reduces the risk of recurrence by addressing affected breast tissue and lymph nodes
Improves long-term survival outcomes through timely and appropriate intervention
The cost of breast cancer surgery in Phoenix, Arizona, can vary widely depending on the specific type of procedure and your individual needs, but many patients can expect a range of $8,000 to $25,000 or more when factoring in facility fees, anesthesia, pathology, and related care. Choosing a practice that includes fellowship-trained breast surgeons and a dedicated nurse navigator can make a meaningful difference in both the quality of care and the coordination of services throughout your treatment journey. Pricing may also be influenced by hospital charges, imaging and testing, and whether reconstruction or additional procedures are recommended.
Our surgical team will review anticipated costs with you before moving forward, helping you understand how each element contributes to the total and assisting with insurance coordination so you can make informed decisions about your care.
