What Are the Surgical Methods for Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a type of cancer characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of cells that make up breast tissue, which eventually turn into cancerous cells. This type of cancer generally affects women over a certain age, but it can also rarely be seen in men and young women. Treatment methods for breast cancer include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and surgical intervention. There are two main types of surgical methods preferred in the surgical treatment of breast cancer. One of these methods is breast-conserving surgery, and the other is mastectomy. In breast-conserving surgery, only the part of the breast containing cancerous tissue is removed, while in mastectomy, all breast tissue is removed. The decision on which surgical method to apply is made based on the number of cancerous cells in the patient and the rate of their spread.
How Are Surgical Methods Determined?
As with most types of cancer, surgical interventions are utilized in diagnosis, determining treatment methods, and confirming the stage. The surgical treatment of breast cancer has undergone significant changes over time. Initially, mastectomy was the most commonly preferred method, but today it is preferred as little as possible due to causing severe physical disabilities.
In some patients, mastectomy may be necessarily preferred in cases where the tumor is large or the patient has previously received radiation therapy. The decision on which surgical method to prefer is made by the doctor based on the size of the cancer, the stage it is in, and the patient’s overall health condition. Before the decision stage, the doctor may request certain tests from the patient.
What Surgical Methods Are Used in Breast Cancer Treatment?
The choice of surgical method in breast cancer is determined based on the patient’s current condition. Preferred methods in breast cancer treatment include lumpectomy, mastectomy, and modified radical mastectomy. Additionally, a procedure called sentinel node biopsy may be performed by the doctor to determine how much cancerous cells have spread to the lymphatic system. If it is determined that the disease has spread to the lymph nodes, axillary lymph node dissection may be performed to remove the lymph nodes in the armpit.
How Is Mastectomy Performed?
Mastectomy is the surgical method in which the entire breast is removed. This procedure is preferred in cases where breast-conserving surgery is not suitable. It can be performed in various forms such as subcutaneous mastectomy, simple mastectomy, and modified radical mastectomy. The aim of mastectomy treatment is to remove the cancerous tissue along with the surrounding healthy tissue and achieve successful cosmetic results. The type of mastectomy and the method of application vary based on the size, location, and cellular characteristics of the cancerous tissue, the stage of the disease, and the patient’s expectations. The general practice involves the surgical removal of the cancerous tissue.
What Is Lumpectomy (Breast-Conserving Surgery) and How Is It Done?
In breast-conserving surgery, unlike mastectomy, only the cancerous tissue is removed, and no procedure is performed on the entire breast. Depending on the amount of tissue removed, this procedure is referred to as lumpectomy or partial mastectomy. Usually, an additional method such as radiotherapy is needed after this procedure. The size of the removed breast tissue varies depending on the volume and location of the mass.
What Are the Side Effects of Breast Cancer Surgery?
Like any surgical method, there are some risks associated with breast cancer surgical treatment. Complications that may arise after surgical intervention can slow down and prolong the healing process. The side effects that occur are often mild and not serious, but in some cases, they can be life-threatening. In such cases, early intervention is crucial. Possible side effects associated with breast cancer surgery include:
- Bleeding at the surgical site,
- Pus, discharge, and other signs of infection at the wound,
- Fluid accumulation and swelling at the surgical site,
- Severe pain, swelling, and sensitivity at the surgical site,
What Is Breast Reconstruction and When Can It Be Done?
After breast surgery, a procedure called breast reconstruction may be performed to improve the cosmetic appearance of the surgical area. Although every woman who has undergone surgery requests breast reconstruction, there are certain situations where this procedure should not be performed. Groups of patients who should not undergo this procedure include those who cannot accept permanent scarring, patients with unrealistic expectations, patients whose health condition cannot withstand another surgical intervention, and patients with aggressive types of cancer. The reconstruction procedure can be performed simultaneously with mastectomy or later. Depending on the timing of the reconstruction procedure, its types are as follows:
- Simultaneous Reconstruction: In this method, reconstruction is performed at the same time as mastectomy. Simultaneous reconstruction is applied to patients diagnosed with early-stage cancer who do not require radiotherapy.
- Simultaneous Delayed Reconstruction: In this procedure, preparation for reconstruction is made while still in the mastectomy phase. A tissue expander material is placed in the patient during mastectomy. Later, this material is replaced with a permanent implant.
- Delayed Reconstruction: In this method, the reconstruction procedure is performed at any time after mastectomy.
What Are the Differences Between Surgical Methods and Other Treatment Methods?
In the treatment of breast cancer, either surgical methods or other treatment methods can be preferred. The choice of method is made based on the patient’s condition. Surgery is generally preferred in cases where there are small, localized cancerous masses that have not spread significantly. If cancer has spread to different parts of the body, non-surgical methods may need to be utilized. In some cases, both surgical intervention and non-surgical treatment methods may be applied together. Surgical methods require hospitalization, while other treatment methods typically do not require hospitalization; however, surgical methods provide superior results in terms of the risk of cancer recurrence compared to other methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Treatment Methods for Breast Cancer?
In the treatment of breast cancer, just like in other cancer treatment methods, both surgical and non-surgical methods are utilized. Non-surgical treatment methods include hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, while surgical methods include mastectomy and lumpectomy. The choice of treatment method is made by the doctor based on the patient’s circumstances.
How Is Breast Cancer Surgery Performed?
The way breast cancer surgery is performed varies depending on the type of surgical intervention. The procedure is usually done under anesthesia, so patients do not feel any pain. The process begins with an incision made between the chest wall and the breast, and tissue removal is performed depending on the size of the cancerous mass.
In Which Situations Is Mastectomy Preferred?
Mastectomy may be necessarily utilized in cases where cancerous cells proliferate excessively and form large masses, or when cancer has progressed to advanced stages.
How Is the Decision for Prosthesis Made After Surgery?
After the surgical procedure, prosthesis may be applied to restore tissue integrity, create a new breast appearance, and improve cosmetic appearance. The decision for prosthesis can be made based on the patient’s personal expectations and whether the surgical intervention has been successfully completed.
In Which Situations Is Lumpectomy Preferred?
Lumpectomy is a method preferred in the early stages of breast cancer. It is chosen when the cancerous mass is small and localized in a specific area.
What Is the Recovery Process After Surgical Intervention?
The recovery process after breast cancer surgery varies depending on the type of procedure performed. In some types of surgeries, patients may be discharged on the same day and move to home rest, but in surgeries where multiple procedures are performed consecutively, hospitalization may be required for 2-3 days. During the recovery process, medications prescribed by the doctor should be taken without interruption.
What Should Be Considered After Breast Surgery?
After breast surgery, care should be taken regarding contact with water at the surgical site. If the wound area is covered with a waterproof dressing, a shower can be taken after 2 days. The dressing should not be wet and should be protected. Additionally, the wound area should be carefully monitored for signs of infection, and if there is fluid accumulation, the doctor should be consulted.
Is Additional Radiotherapy or Chemotherapy Necessary After Surgery?
In some cases, additional treatment methods may be needed after surgical procedures to prevent the recurrence of cancerous cells. For this purpose, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy may be required before or after the surgical intervention.
Although it is one of the most common types of cancer, breast cancer has a very high chance of treatment thanks to early diagnosis, and the choice of physician and method is very important.
The experience of the physician and the team that will implement the treatment plan according to you, and having sufficient equipment plays a serious role in the treatment process of patients.
If you have doubts about breast cancer or would like to have routine check-ups, do not hesitate to seek expert medical support.
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