Breast cancer surgery is an essential component of a breast cancer treatment plan that includes surgical removal of the cancer.
Breast cancer operation can be resorted to alone or in conjunction with other treatments, such as: chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and radiotherapy.
Types of breast cancer surgery
There are different types of breast cancer surgery, and it can be performed for different reasons depending on the case, and according to the following factors:
The size of the tumor and the ratio between it and the size of the breast.
tumor site.
The number of tumors and the distance between them.
The condition of the lymph nodes in the armpit.
The presence of metastases distant from the site of the cancer.
Breast cancer surgery includes various procedures, such as
Total mastectomy.
Lumpectomy, in which only part of the breast tissue is removed.
Removal of nearby lymph nodes by axillary lymph node dissection or sentinel lymph node biopsy
Restoring the shape of the breast after its complete excision through breast reconstruction.
Reducing symptoms of advanced cancer.
Surgery risks
Breast cancer surgery is safe, but it has a low risk of complications, such as
bleeding.
infection.
Fluid pooling at the surgery site.
pain.
permanent scarring.
Loss or change of sensation in the chest and the reconstructed breast.
Wound healing problems.
arm swelling
Anesthesia-related risks.
Before the surgery
You can prepare for a breast cancer operation by discussing all available options and instructions with your doctor.
Surgery steps
The surgery is performed in the hospital under general anesthesia, according to the following steps:
An incision is made in the breast to remove the cancer and the surrounding tissue, the amount of which depends on the type of procedure to be used according to the case.
Removal of a few lymph nodes in the armpits that are likely to be affected by a sentinel node biopsy and tested for cancer.
Removing more lymph nodes, or recommending radiation therapy to the lymph nodes after surgery if cancer cells are present.
Closure of the incision using dissolvable sutures to reduce scarring.
Initiation of breast reconstruction if the patient chooses to do so.
After the surgery
You are expected to spend one night in the hospital after mastectomy when undergoing breast reconstruction. If you undergo breast cancer surgery without breast reconstruction or lumpectomy, you can leave the hospital on the day of surgery.
The necessary instructions are received after the surgery by the specialized medical team.
