Breast cancer surgery is performed differently in each patient. Factors such as the size, type, spread rate of the cancer, and the risk of metastasis to other organs determine the type of surgery. Surgical methods vary according to whether the breast tissue is preserved, whether the entire breast is removed, or whether an implant is applied after removal.
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The patient's overall health is important at this point. It also affects the recovery process after surgery. With the patient's adherence to the doctor's recommendations, a healthy recovery period can be achieved.
How is Breast Cancer Surgery Performed?
Breast cancer surgery is performed under general anesthesia. In the past, the most common surgeries were modified radical mastectomies, where the entire breast was removed. With the development of chemotherapy and technology, there has been an increase in breast-conserving surgeries. Breast-conserving surgeries involve removing the tumor and some of the surrounding breast tissue. In mastectomy surgery, the breast tissue is completely removed. The type of surgery performed is decided based on the extent of the tumor in the breast and the number of foci.
Conservative surgeries aim to minimize both the physical and psychological impact on the patient while preserving the cosmetic appearance. In these surgeries, the remaining tissue is restored using aesthetic techniques. If the tumor in the breast has spread, is located in multiple places, or is very large, then the entire breast, including the skin, may be removed, or the breast may be emptied and the skin preserved. If the breast is emptied while leaving the nipple and skin intact, a silicone implant may be placed to maintain the physical appearance of the breast.
What Determines the Type of Breast Cancer Surgery?
Breast cancer surgery is performed by considering several factors. These include the patient's age, overall health status, tumor size, type of cancer, and its stage. The surgery can be performed either as partial removal of the breast or complete removal of the breast. Since there is a risk of the cancer spreading to the lymph nodes and other organs, the patient should be evaluated accordingly.
Each breast cancer patient has a different body composition. Therefore, even two patients at the same stage can show different symptoms. Different surgical approaches may need to be adopted for these individuals. An experienced specialist should create a roadmap tailored to your needs for breast cancer surgery.
Breast Cancer Surgery Methods
Breast cancer surgery methods vary depending on the size, stage, and type of cancer in the patient. The following surgical methods are listed below:
Breast-conserving Surgery: In this surgery, the cancer is removed along with healthy surrounding breast tissue. This method is preferred in cases of single-focus breast cancer where the breast is sufficiently large and there are no other issues or additional diseases.
Risk-Reducing Breast Surgery: Even in the absence of cancer, this surgery involves removing all the breast tissue and simultaneously performing silicone surgery. It is an option for individuals with a genetic risk of breast cancer in their family.
Mastectomy: This surgery is performed when the breast cancer is large or has spread, and it involves the complete removal of the breast tissue.
Oncoplastic Breast Surgery: This surgery involves the removal of all or part of the breast tissue while also ensuring the cosmetic appearance of the breast. Plastic surgery techniques are used to achieve a cosmetic result. After tissue removal, the breast is reshaped, and the breast appearance is recreated using the patient's own tissue or silicone implants.
Modified Radical Mastectomy: This surgery is similar to mastectomy but also involves the removal of axillary lymph nodes. It is performed to clean the armpit area due to the spread of cancer to the lymph nodes.
Is Breast Cancer Surgery Risky?
Like any surgical operation, breast cancer surgery carries certain risks. Each patient's condition is unique, so the risks can vary. With an experienced and expert surgical team, the risks of breast cancer surgery can be minimized. As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection, which can be treated with antibiotics. Bleeding may also occur during or after surgery, and it can be managed by the medical team. Anesthesia-related issues can also arise.
Breast cancer surgery risks can also vary depending on the type of surgery performed. Issues such as wound healing problems, fluid accumulation at the site of the wound, lymphedema, or displacement of the implant after breast reshaping can occur. These issues are typically managed by the surgeon post-surgery and can be corrected. Risks always exist, and your doctor will inform you about these risks before the surgery.
How Long Does Breast Cancer Surgery Take?
The duration of breast cancer surgery depends on the method being used. It varies depending on the complexity of the surgery, the procedures involved, and the size of the cancer. It typically takes between 1-3 hours, but if more complex procedures are required, the time may be longer. Surgeries for smaller tumors usually take less time, as less tissue needs to be removed. However, if there are large tumors or additional procedures such as implant placement, the surgery may take longer. The patient's overall health condition is also considered during the surgery.
Recovery Time After Breast Cancer Surgery
The recovery time after breast cancer surgery depends on the complexity of the surgery the patient undergoes. The patient's overall health will also affect the recovery process. The length of stay in the hospital is determined based on the type of surgery and the patient's condition. During the recovery period, the patient should focus on wound care. Typically, rest and healing should be prioritized. Stitches are usually removed a few weeks after surgery. Generally, patients can return to their daily activities after about two weeks. The more care the patient takes, the faster the recovery will be.
Breast Cancer Surgery Costs
Breast cancer surgery costs can vary for each patient. The type of surgery and the size of the cancer in the patient will determine the procedure. Therefore, a consultation is necessary to obtain price information. You can get information about the cost of breast cancer surgery based on your surgery plan. Feel free to contact us for more information about the consultation and general pricing.
