A mastectomy is the operation in which both breasts are removed to remove a tumor or cancer, and many breast cancer patients have had a successful mastectomy in Turkey.
Whether you've had breast cancer or a relative or friend has had it, you need to know when a breast cancer patient will need a mastectomy. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide and is the most common reason for breast cancer surgery breast amputation at the ladies.
In our article, we will learn about 5 types of mastectomy, how they are performed, and the most important damage that may accompany a mastectomy.
mastectomy
It is a mastectomy mastectomy A means of preventing or curing a disease malignant breast cancerAlternative options for this operation include removing only the cancerous lump while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible.
It can be difficult to choose between Breast removal completely or maintain it, especially since both options are effective in breast cancer treatment and prevent it from relapse.
Although conservative treatment may look better from a cosmetic point of view, it is not suitable for all women.
Modern techniques of mastectomy seek to preserve the appearance of the breast after the operation. The process in which the natural appearance of the breast is restored is called a “breast restoration” in which an artificial breast is placed to maintain the appearance after the removal of the cancerous mast. It can be performed during mastectomy surgery or at the time of surgery. Subsequent.
The success rate of breast cancer surgery for cancer treatment is high, as more than 80% of women who underwent mastectomy after cancer were able to live for ten years after the operation, as explained studies foreign.
Reasons for mastectomy
A mastectomy can be performed to treat cancer in women with breast cancer in Turkey in the following cases:
- When the patient cannot be treated conservatively with lumpectomy without removing the entire breast; For example, if breast cancer is large or occupies the center or more than one area of the breast.
- when failed Radiotherapy or thermal processing In the treatment of cancer or the inability to use it because the patient has a connective tissue disease such as scleroderma or lupus.
- When the patient prefers a complete mastectomy rather than a benign breast tumor only, so as not to develop breast cancer; Especially when she has one of the genes associated with breast cancer such as BRCA1 or BRCA2.
- In patients with a high risk of recurrence of breast cancer who may choose the procedure Prophylactic mastectomy Double (removal of both breasts).
- Cases of inflammatory breast cancer or Paget's disease.
Methods of performing a mastectomy in Turkey
There are several types of mastectomy surgery in Turkey that depend mainly on the size and location of the cancer, including:
total (simple) mastectomy
In which the breast is completely removed, including the nipple, the areola around it, the fascia surrounding the pectoralis major muscle and most of the skin covering the breast, some axillary lymph nodes may also be removed depending on the result of the sentinel node biopsy, the majority of women after total excision return to their homes the day after the mastectomy .
modified radical
It is also called Removing the breast and lymph nodesIt is similar to simple excision but is combined with removal of the axillary lymph nodes (axillary lymphadenectomy).
Radical mastectomy
This operation for the treatment of breast cancer cases has become rare these days because it is too extensive. It involves excision of the entire breast with the axillary lymph nodes and the pectoralis major muscle under the breast.
It was commonly used until an alternative was discovered with the same effectiveness and results, but it is less extensive and has fewer side effects, which is the “modified radical mastectomy.”
Skin-sparing mastectomy
Breast cancer is removed as in a simple excision with the nipple and areola, but most of the skin covering the breast remains without excision. This type has been found to be as effective in removing cancer from the breast as a radical excision, and it is resorted to when the doctor wants to restore the immediate breast after its excision.
The vast majority of women prefer to do this procedure because it has better cosmetic results with a smaller scar and breasts that look more natural. In general, this procedure cannot be done to treat breast cancer in cases that are large or close to the skin.
nipple-sparing mastectomy
Similar to the previous type and sometimes called mastectomy with the preservation of the entire skin, where the entire breast tissue is removed only while keeping the nipple and areola, and this process is followed by reconstruction of the breast as well.
The surgeon removes the breast tissue located directly under the nipple and areola and sends it to histopathology to ensure that it is free of cancer cells, otherwise the nipple and areola must be removed.
Breast reconstruction after mastectomy in Turkey
Many breast cancer patients are concerned about the appearance of the breast after removing the tumor. Fortunately, in most cases, breast reconstruction can be done after excision in Turkey in order to restore the patient's natural breast size and shape.
Many women prefer this procedure Breast cancer surgery Simultaneously, while some choose to have it done at a later date, you can talk to your doctor about your options for breast reconstruction and when to do it.
However, not all patients who underwent Mastectomy due to cancer With breast reconstruction, alternative options include wearing prostheses that have the shape of the breast or special bras, or the patient may choose to live with flat breasts for the rest of her life.
How is mastectomy performed in Turkey?
Breast cancer resection is performed under general anesthesia, so the patient will be asleep and will not feel anything during the mastectomy.
- Initially, the surgeon makes a semicircular incision around the breast from below - the location and shape of the surgical incision may vary depending on the type of operation.
- Then he will remove the breast tissue along with the tumor in addition to other parts that differ from one patient to another, and it will be sent to the laboratory for analysis of the tumor after its removal.
- If the patient decides to undergo breast reconstruction at the same time, a specialist in reconstructive surgery will continue the procedure and restore the breast in the manner chosen by the patient.
- Finally, the surgeon will place drainage tubes at the surgical site to drain fluid that may collect in the area, and then close the incision with sutures or adhesive strips.
Complications of mastectomy
Surgery to remove the breast affected by cancer may carry some risks, like other surgeries, such as bleeding or infection at the operation site. Complications related to mastectomy are related to the type of operation that was performed (complex surgeries carry greater side effects).
May include complications Breast tumor removal surgery are one of the following:
- Pain, tenderness, or swelling at the site of the operation
- A hematoma or a clear fluid buildup at the wound site
- Defined in arm or shoulder movement
- Numbness in the chest or upper extremity
- Swelling of the consenting limb of the excised breast when draining the axillary lymph nodes (lymphedema)
- Nerve pain described as burning or gunshot-like pain in the chest wall, armpit, or arm that does not go away with time (post-mastectomy pain syndrome)
Although removing the entire breast is an effective and successful treatment for breast cancer, studies Proven that it is not superior to lumpectomy only followed by radiotherapy in improving the survival rate of breast cancer patients in the early stages.
After mastectomy
After the mastectomy, the patient is transferred to a room in the hospital to be closely monitored for a day or two. The doctor will decide whether the woman needs to continue treatment after the invasive mastectomy or withchemical treatment complement to eliminate remaining cancer cells.
Learn more about Cancer diagnosis and treatment methods in Turkey.
Most women who have undergone mastectomy are able to return to their normal daily activities within about four weeks, but it may require more than that if the patient has to rebuild or restore the breast after removing it, and it may take up to several months in some cases.
Tips after mastectomy:
After you have removed the breast, make sure to apply the following tips to speed up the healing process:
- Take a break for a few weeks after your mastectomy.
- Make sure you take your medications as prescribed by your doctor. You can take oral pain relievers if you feel pain after a mastectomy.
- You have to keep the place of operation dry, you can take a sponge bath instead of a shower, for example.
- Get regular exercise as it helps with recovery and restore normal movement of the shoulder and arm and prevents stiffness.
- Avoid doing strenuous activities such as lifting heavy objects until your doctor allows you to.
- Don't hesitate to seek help when needed and contact your doctor immediately if you feel unwell.
There are many surgical techniques for mastectomy, but they all aim to get rid of breast cancer completely so that the patient does not worry about the cancer recurring again. Any confusion after the operation and act quickly and effectively when any emergency occurs.
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