Which statement best describes the difference between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy?

The statement that lumpectomy removes the tumor and some surrounding tissue, while mastectomy removes the entire breast accurately defines the primary difference between these two surgical procedures. In a lumpectomy, the goal is to excise the cancerous tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete removal of cancerous cells, while preserving as much of the breast as possible. This approach is often chosen for early-stage breast cancer since it allows for breast conservation.

In contrast, a mastectomy involves the removal of the entire breast, which may be necessary for a variety of reasons, including more extensive cancer that may not be fully treatable by lumpectomy alone, the patient’s preference, or specific medical considerations. Understanding this distinction is crucial for making informed treatment decisions and discussing options with patients.

Other statements may relate to perceptions of invasiveness or appropriate cancer stages for each procedure, but they do not encapsulate the fundamental procedural differences as clearly as the correct statement.