Breast Lump Surgery – patient information to assist informed consent

This RACS patient education pamphlet provides information on surgery to remove a breast lump (lumpectomy). The topics discussed include: benign or malignant breast lumps, what to expect before surgery, recovery after lumpectomy and the possible complications of treatment.

This leaflet can be a useful tool for patients requiring a breast biopsy or breast cancer surgery. The surgical treatment options outlined are:
-   Breast biopsy, including fine needle aspiration (FNA), core biopsy and open biopsy
-   Breast-conserving surgery
-   Mastectomy
-   Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB)
-   Axillary lymph node biopsy (ALNB)

Breast reconstruction is also described for women who have undergone a mastectomy. The additional cancer treatments that may be required after surgery are described, including:
-   Radiotherapy
-   Chemotherapy
-   Hormone therapy
-   Targeted drug therapy

Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. Breast cancer surgery is described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets.