Melvin Silverstein, M.D., University of Southern California
Question: Is it normal to have more than one lumpectomy?
Answer: As a general rule, we try to do one lumpectomy, do it the first time, do it correctly, and never have to do it again. But unfortunately, under the microscope, we may discover that the cancer is more extensive than we originally planned for, and the surgeon may have to go back and re-excise that area to get clear margins. We do not like to treat patients who have involved margins because the chance of recurrence is much higher than if the margins are clear.
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