When breast cancer is advanced, or has spread to other parts of the body, surgery is not likely to provide a cure. Sometimes, though, surgery can still be helpful. In some situations, surgery may slow the spread of the cancer or help prevent or relieve symptoms from it.
If cancer has spread to a single site, like the liver or the lung, it may be possible to surgically remove – or resect – that area. It is always important to have a surgeon as part of your treatment team.