1. Introduction

    Breast cancer is diagnosed by excisional breast biopsy (by needle aspiration or open excision) followed later by a more definitive surgical procedure designed to decrease tumor bulk and thus enhance the effectiveness of systemic therapy (chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or radiation). Carcinoma of the breast is an uncontrolled growth of anaplastic cells. Types include ductal, lobular, and nipple adenocarcinomas.

2. Preoperative assessment and patient preparation