Surgical Oncology
Mastectomy is the primary treatment for breast cancer. Depending on the specific indications, the doctor will decide which type of surgical approach to apply to the patient that is suitable for her case.
The surgical procedure usually involves removing part or sometimes the entire breast (mastectomy). This means the type of surgery clearly depends on the size and location of the cancer.
The procedure also includes examination of the axillary lymph nodes and often their removal if cancer cells are detected.
Sometimes, before surgical removal, chemotherapy is necessary to shrink the cancer.
Types of Breast Surgery
There are various types of surgical procedures performed to remove the part of the breast affected by the disease, but this always depends on the nature of the findings.
Breast-Conserving Surgery
This surgery involves removing the tumor with a healthy margin around it. It is usually performed for small tumors.
In the early stage of breast cancer, studies show that limited breast-conserving surgery followed by radiotherapy is as effective as mastectomy.
Local Excision
The procedure involves removal of the cancer and a few millimeters of surrounding healthy tissue. In most women, the breast appearance after a lumpectomy should resemble a normal breast.
If the tumor is very small, a thin wire (guide) is placed under ultrasound guidance by the radiologist in the area to be removed, so the surgeon can easily locate it.
In other cases, a surgery called quadrantectomy can be performed. This removes a larger area of the breast, i.e., one-quarter of it.
This breast will be smaller than the other and there may be a scar or a depression. These defects can be corrected with plastic surgeries.
After the surgeries, women will undergo radiotherapy on the remaining breast tissue, if necessary, which will destroy any cancer cells that have survived and remain in the breast.
The pathologist examines the removed tissue to determine if the tumor is completely surrounded by healthy tissue. This is called “clear surgical margins.” It is an indicator of proper tumor removal and reduces the chance of cancer recurrence in the future.
If, however, even after removing more tissue, achieving clear surgical margins is unlikely, then mastectomy is the best option.
Mastectomy
This procedure removes all breast tissue. Most mastectomy surgeries involve removal of all tissue, lobes, milk ducts, fatty tissue, and part of the skin including the nipple and the area around it (simple mastectomy).
However, there are different types of mastectomy, such as:
- Modified radical mastectomy
- Skin-sparing mastectomy
- Nipple-sparing mastectomy
Simple Mastectomy:
In this surgery, the breast is removed, and some lymph nodes under the armpit can be removed to check for cancer cells at the same time as the mastectomy, through a separate incision.
Modified Radical Mastectomy:
In this procedure, the mammary gland, a strip of skin with the nipple, and the axillary lymph nodes are removed. Part of the chest wall muscles may also be removed.
Breast Reconstruction
If you have undergone a mastectomy, it is possible to proceed with breast reconstruction at the same time or later, either shortly after or after a longer period.
Keep in mind that breast reconstruction is a highly specialized procedure, and the plastic surgeon is the most qualified and experienced doctor to help you regain your confidence by restoring your self-image as it was before the surgery.
Decision-making regarding treatment is difficult. The loss of your breast is painful not only in recovery but also in changing your appearance. Undoubtedly, it will affect your confidence, sexuality, and relationships with others.
It is important to have by your side, first and foremost, your doctor and, of course, your loved ones who will support you and help you come out victorious from this great and difficult battle with cancer.
And remember:
Every woman is different, and cancer treatment is individualized based on many factors. However, when facing the disease, all women are the same, with no exceptions or criteria for who can get sick!
We are here to help you overcome this difficult journey and regain the appearance you dream of, winning your LIFE back!
