Breast Cancer Surgery

Breast-conserving surgery, which is also known as a lumpectomy, quadrantectomy, partial mastectomy, or segmental mastectomy, is a procedure that removes only the cancerous portion of the breast. The goal is to remove the malignancy as well as some healthy tissue around it.

Who performs Breast Cancer Surgery?

Breast surgeons or Oncology surgeons with special qualifications are the specialists to perform breast cancer surgery

Types of Breast Cancer Surgery

Surgery is frequently used for breast cancer. Here are 3 common types of breast cancer surgery;

Nipple-sparing Mastectomy: Only the breast tissue is removed in a nipple-sparing mastectomy.
Skin-sparing Mastectomy: Breast tissue is removed with the nipple and areola during a skin-sparing mastectomy.
Simple Mastectomy: The breast tissue and skin are removed during a total (simple) mastectomy.

Preparations before Breast Cancer Surgery

It is vital to prepare for the surgery appropriately.

Keep yourself calm
Extensive lymph node surgery should be avoided.
Inquire about the possibility of undergoing chemotherapy before surgery.
Inquire about alternatives to standard breast surgery and radiotherapy.
To detect any future changes in your breast tissue, get a baseline mammogram before surgery and another afterward.

How long does Breast Cancer Surgery take?

The treatment takes roughly an hour to perform on average. Because, breast cancer is not visible to the surgeon as it is the same color as the breast tissue, the malignancy is frequently marked before surgery to aid the surgeon.

Risks Associated with Breast Cancer Surgery

Outcomes and complication rates after hernia surgery are moderate. It depends upon the stage of cancer and the lymph nodes involvement.

Operative pain after surgery
Seroma
Lymphedema
Recurrence of cancer
Infections

Breast Cancer Surgery Types

There are different types of breast surgery, and it may be performed for different reasons, depending on the situation.

Breast reconstruction with flap surgery
a surgical procedure that restores shape to your breast after a mastectomy
Breast reconstruction with implants
a surgical procedure that restores shape to your breast after a mastectomy by using breast implants
Sentinel node biopsy
a surgical procedure used to determine whether cancer has spread beyond a primary tumour into your lymphatic system. It's used most commonly in evaluating breast cancer and melanoma.

Your doctor recommends a certain operation based on your breast cancer features and your medical history, or you may have a choice about which surgery type you're considering.

It majorly depends on the size and stage of your cancer, your other treatment options and preferences.

Breast Cancer Surgery Recovery

After breast cancer surgery, you can expect to:

Be taken to a recovery room where your blood pressure, pulse and breathing will be monitored.
Have a dressing (bandage) over the surgery site
You may feel pain, numbness and a pinching sensation in your underarm area
Follow your doctor's instructions and take care of your incision and drains, recognizing signs of infection, and understanding activity restrictions
Be given prescriptions for pain medication and possibly an antibiotic.
Resume your regular diet
Shower the day after surgery

You will have to spend one night in the hospital after undergoing mastectomy and also if you had breast reconstruction. If you undergo mastectomy without reconstruction or lumpectomy, you may leave the hospital the day of surgery.

What Happens After The Surgery:

It is very normal if you experience any pain for the first few weeks. You will get pain killers for pain management. Painkillers work best when you take them regularly.
You can always start eating whenever you feel like. Try to have easy, soft foods. Strong and heavy foods will make you feel sick.
You are less likely to get a chest infection or a blood clot if you keep yourself active.
Don't lift or carry anything heavy
Do not drive