Final answer:
Segmental resection of the breast is the removal of a specific segment of breast tissue during surgery, usually to treat a localized area affected by cancer, while aiming to preserve as much of the breast's appearance as possible.
Step-by-step explanation:
Segmental resection of the breast refers to the surgical removal of a particular segment of breast tissue, which typically includes both the diseased tissue and a margin of healthy tissue around it. This procedure is often used in the treatment of breast cancer, where only the affected segment is removed rather than the entire breast (mastectomy).
This approach allows for the preservation of breast shape and appearance to a greater extent than a mastectomy, as only the tumor-containing segment of the breast is removed. The decision to perform a segmental resection depends on various factors such as the size, location, and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s personal preferences. Whenever possible, surgeons aim to achieve clear margins around the tumor, meaning no cancer cells are found at the outer edge of the tissue that was removed, to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Following a segmental resection, further treatment options such as radiation therapy may be considered to destroy any remaining cancer cells.