Current issues in the surgical treatment of early stage breast cancer

Surgery remains the primary treatment for early stage breast cancer. Modified radical mastectomy and lumpectomy with axillary dissection continue to be the two procedures most commonly performed. Changes in the healthcare system and advances in medical research in cancer treatment affect the nursing care of these patients. The introduction of the sentinel node biopsy may change certain aspects of surgical treatment, as some patients may not require an axillary dissection. The challenge for nurses is to provide quality care and maintain established standards for patients with breast cancer as their hospitalizations are shortened to same day or overnight stays. The purpose of this article is to review the standard surgical treatments and related nursing care and discuss the impact of the sentinel node biopsy and the impact of changes in the length of hospital stay on the care of women with breast cancer.