There are a variety of treatment options for breast cancer, and
the doctor will plan out a course of action depending on the
type of cancer suspected from the procedures done. A mastectomy
is what most women immediately think of when they hear the words
breast cancer. In a mastectomy, the entire breast is removed.
Lumpectomy In contrast to a mastectomy, in a lumpectomy, only
the lump itself is removed. This is possible when the cancer has
been contained and not spread to surrounding breast tissue.
According to MayoClinic.com, radiation therapy employs high-
powered energy such as X-rays to kill cancer cells. It's
important to understand the distinction between radiation and
chemotherapy, as many patients and their family members get the
two terms confused. WebMD.com notes that chemotherapy uses drugs
to kill cancer cells, instead of radiation. The two may be used
in conjunction with one another, which is perhaps why the
terminology gets confusing for patients.