Breast Surgery in Lancaster
Aldo Gamarra, MD provides specialty medical care for breast concerns, from evaluating a lump or abnormal imaging to planning surgical treatment when it is needed. The approach is built on clear explanations, careful assessment and decisions made together with you.
What is Breast Surgery?
Breast surgery is the group of operations and procedures used to diagnose and treat conditions of the breast. It includes biopsies that remove a sample of tissue for testing, removal of benign growths such as cysts or fibroadenomas, lumpectomy, mastectomy, and evaluation of the lymph nodes under the arm when cancer is a concern.
Surgery helps people with a wide range of needs. Some have a painful or growing benign mass, others have a suspicious area found on a screening mammogram, and others have a diagnosis of breast cancer or a high-risk finding. Many visits end with reassurance and a plan for monitoring rather than an operation, and that is a good outcome.
Current medical guidance supports a stepwise approach: clinical examination, appropriate imaging, tissue diagnosis when indicated, and then treatment matched to the result. Breast-conserving surgery combined with other recommended therapy is an established option for many early-stage cancers, and decisions are individualized. Surgery is often one part of a broader plan that may involve other specialists.
Signs that warrant an evaluation
- A new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
- An abnormal finding on a mammogram, ultrasound or MRI
- Nipple discharge, particularly if bloody or from one duct
- Skin changes such as dimpling, redness or puckering
- A change in breast size, shape or nipple position
- A known diagnosis that needs surgical evaluation or treatment
What to Expect
- Review of history, breast exam and prior imaging at the first visit
- Options explained in plain language, including observation, imaging, needle biopsy or surgery
- Testing completed and results reviewed, with any procedure scheduled and preparation instructions given
- Follow-up visits to check healing and go over pathology findings
- Ongoing monitoring and routine screening planned to fit your diagnosis and risk
Our Approach to Breast Surgery
Initial Assessment
The first step is a conversation about your symptoms, personal history and family history, followed by a breast examination. Prior imaging and any biopsy results are reviewed so the next step is based on complete information.
Personalized Plan
Options are explained in plain language, including observation, further imaging, needle biopsy or surgery. You are encouraged to ask questions so the plan reflects your health, your goals and your preferences.
Ongoing Support
After a procedure, follow-up visits check healing, review pathology results and discuss any further care. Questions that come up between visits can be raised with the office by phone.
Benefits
Clear explanations
Options are explained in plain language so the plan reflects your health, your goals and your preferences.
Careful assessment
Prior imaging and any biopsy results are reviewed so the next step is based on complete information.
Treatment matched to the result
A stepwise approach of clinical examination, appropriate imaging, tissue diagnosis when indicated, and then treatment matched to the result.
Coordinated care
Planning includes pain control after surgery, wound care instructions and coordination with imaging, pathology and other specialists.
What to Expect
First Visit
Review of history and imaging, a breast exam, and a discussion of whether further testing, a biopsy or surgery is the right next step.
Week 2-4
Testing is completed and results are reviewed. If a procedure is recommended, it is scheduled and preparation instructions are given.
Month 1-3
Recovery varies by procedure. Follow-up visits check healing and go over pathology findings, with referrals made if additional treatment is needed.
Long-term
Ongoing monitoring and routine screening are planned to fit your diagnosis and risk. Timelines are individual, and your care team will explain what is realistic for you.
Procedures and options that may be discussed
Depending on your situation, the conversation may cover image-guided or needle biopsy, excision of a benign mass, lumpectomy, mastectomy, and sentinel lymph node evaluation. Not every option applies to every person, and the recommendation depends on the diagnosis and your priorities.
Related care, such as pain control after surgery, wound care instructions and coordination with imaging, pathology and other specialists, is part of planning. You should leave each visit knowing what comes next and why.
Common Questions About Breast Surgery
Does a breast lump always mean cancer?
No. Most breast lumps turn out to be benign, such as cysts or fibroadenomas. Any new lump should still be evaluated, because imaging and sometimes a biopsy are the only reliable ways to know what it is.
What is the difference between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy?
A lumpectomy removes the abnormal area along with a margin of surrounding tissue and preserves the rest of the breast. A mastectomy removes the breast tissue. Which is appropriate depends on the diagnosis, the size and location of the area, and personal preference.
Will I need a biopsy before surgery?
Often, yes. A needle biopsy can establish a diagnosis before an operation is planned, which helps avoid unnecessary surgery and allows the surgical approach to be matched to the findings.
How should I prepare for my first visit?
Bring a list of medications, any previous mammograms, ultrasounds or MRI reports, and notes on family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Write down your questions beforehand so none are missed.
How do I schedule a consultation in Lancaster?
Call the office at (661) 579-6088 or use the contact page. The practice is located at 1658 West Ave J., Lancaster, CA 93534.
Ready to Get Help with Breast Surgery?
Call (661) 579-6088 or visit 1658 West Ave J., Lancaster, CA 93534.
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