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10 Questions to Ask the Breast Cancer Surgeon

  1.  Why are you recommending this procedure?
  2. What are the risks? How do they compare with the benefits?
  3. How do I prepare for surgery?
  4. What type of anesthesia will I have?
  5. What happens during and right after surgery?
  6. Who do I talk to about breast reconstruction?
  7. How long will I be in the hospital?
  8. Are there any complications?
  9. When can I go back to work and resume normal activities?
  10. What are the risks of lymphedema?

Before surgery, your surgeon should provide:

  • Specific instructions to follow in the days before surgery
  • An overview of the surgical procedures
  • Information about recovery and follow-up care

After surgery, watch for complications such as infection or lymphedema, swelling in your arm or hand. Call your doctor immediately if you see signs of swelling, a build-up of fluid, redness or other symptoms of infection.

Also see:
Breast-Conserving Surgery
Mastectomy
Lymph Node Biopsies

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Reviewed by Arnold Wax, MD on February 18, 2010
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