Imaging
Mammography, ultrasound, MRI, or other imaging may help define a finding and determine whether tissue sampling is needed.
BREAST SURGERY · LOS ANGELES
Breast surgery should begin with a clear diagnosis and a clear plan.
Dr. Michael A. Zadeh evaluates and treats noncancerous (benign) breast conditions, breast masses, abnormal breast findings, and breast cancer. The goal is to match the operation to the diagnosis while preserving healthy tissue whenever medically appropriate.
START WITH THE DIAGNOSIS
A breast finding is not the same thing as a surgical diagnosis.
The medical history, physical examination, imaging, and biopsy results when needed all help determine whether observation, additional testing, or surgery is appropriate.
Biopsy
Many breast abnormalities can be diagnosed with a needle biopsy before an operation is considered. Knowing the laboratory diagnosis from the tissue sample first often leads to better surgical planning.
Surgical planning
Once the diagnosis is clear, the discussion can focus on whether surgery is needed, how much tissue should be removed, and what additional treatment may be required.
BENIGN BREAST DISEASE
Not every breast lump needs to be removed.
Many breast findings are noncancerous (benign). Some can be safely observed once the diagnosis is established. Others may be removed because of growth, symptoms, uncertainty, patient preference, or the specific tissue diagnosis.
The operation should answer a question or solve a problem. For a noncancerous mass, the purpose may be to confirm the diagnosis, relieve discomfort, remove a growing lump, or evaluate an abnormality that cannot be fully understood without surgical removal.
BREAST CANCER SURGERY
Cancer surgery is part of a larger treatment plan.
Surgical recommendations depend on the tumor, breast imaging, tissue-test results (pathology), cancer stage, genetic testing when relevant, and the other treatments that may be part of the patient’s care.
Breast-conserving surgery may be appropriate for some patients, while mastectomy is the better option in others. Lymph-node evaluation may also be recommended depending on the diagnosis and clinical situation.
Treatment planning may involve coordination with breast imaging specialists, laboratory doctors who examine tissue, medical and radiation cancer specialists, plastic surgeons, and other specialists as appropriate.
COMMON BREAST OPERATIONS
The amount of surgery should match the problem being treated.
For selected breast cancers, a sentinel lymph-node biopsy samples the first lymph nodes that drain the breast. This helps determine whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the underarm.
Surgical biopsy
A surgical biopsy, also called an excisional biopsy, removes a breast mass for diagnosis or treatment when a needle biopsy is not sufficient or removal is otherwise appropriate.
Lumpectomy
Breast-conserving surgery removes the tumor with a small rim of surrounding tissue while preserving the rest of the breast when it is medically safe for cancer treatment.
Mastectomy
A mastectomy removes most or all breast tissue and may be recommended for selected cancers or risk situations. The amount of tissue removed and reconstruction options are individualized.
RECOVERY
Recovery depends on the operation, not just the diagnosis.
Recovery after removing a small lump differs from recovery after lumpectomy, lymph-node surgery, or mastectomy. Before surgery, patients should understand wound care, pain expectations, activity restrictions, when final tissue-test results will be available, and the next steps in treatment.
BREAST SURGEON IN SHERMAN OAKS
Breast surgery consultations for Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.
Dr. Michael A. Zadeh evaluates breast lumps, abnormal breast imaging, noncancerous breast conditions, and breast cancer at Zadeh Surgical in Sherman Oaks. Care begins with a clear diagnosis and a surgical plan coordinated with the other specialists involved when needed.
Convenient for patients in: Sherman Oaks, Encino, Studio City, Tarzana, Van Nuys, and surrounding Los Angeles communities
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common questions about breast surgery.
Does every breast lump need a biopsy?
No. The appropriate evaluation depends on age, examination, imaging features, and the overall situation. Some findings can be watched over time, while others require a tissue sample for diagnosis.
Does every breast cancer require mastectomy?
No. Many patients are candidates for breast-conserving surgery, but the safest and most appropriate operation depends on the features of the cancer, breast size and shape, imaging, genetics, patient preference, and the overall treatment plan.
Will I know the final tissue results immediately after surgery?
No. Final surgical pathology—the laboratory examination of removed tissue—usually takes time after the operation. The report confirms the diagnosis, whether the edges of removed tissue are clear, and other findings that may influence next steps.
BREAST SURGERY CONSULTATION · SHERMAN OAKS
A clear diagnosis makes the surgical conversation much easier.
14658 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 · (818) 789-1111