Mastectomy is a surgical method used for breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Breast cancer occurs when the cells in the breast multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor. This tumor is malignant.
What Is Mastectomy?
Mastectomy refers to the procedure of removing the tumor-affected breast tissue in patients with breast cancer. This procedure involves removing the skin over the breast, as well as the entire breast tissue and lymph nodes. Depending on the spread of the tumor, mastectomy can be performed on one breast or both breasts simultaneously. With advancements in oncology in recent years, the need for mastectomy has decreased.
Types of Mastectomy
Types of mastectomy vary depending on the spread of the tumor in the breast. The types are as follows:
- Radical Mastectomy: A procedure involving the removal of breast tissue, axillary lymph nodes, and chest muscles. It is no longer performed today.
- Modified Radical Mastectomy: The complete removal of breast tissue along with the lymph nodes under the armpit, while preserving the chest muscles.
- Simple Mastectomy: In this procedure, breast tissue is removed, but the axillary lymph nodes and chest muscles are left intact.
- Double (Bilateral) Mastectomy: Both breast tissues are removed. This is applied to women at high risk of cancer.
- Nipple and Areola-Sparing Mastectomy: A mastectomy that preserves the brown circular area around the nipple. It is performed simultaneously with procedures involving implants, silicone, or the patient’s own tissue.
- Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: The procedure involves the complete removal of the nipple and breast tissue while preserving the breast skin.
How Is Mastectomy Performed?
Mastectomy incisions vary depending on the type of mastectomy to be performed. After making the incision, the breast tissue is removed. If the tumor has spread to the lymph nodes under the armpit, those lymph nodes are also removed. Once the removal process is complete, if the patient desires breast reconstruction, it is performed during the same operation. After completing the reconstruction, drains are placed in the tumor area to prevent fluid or tissue accumulation. Finally, the incision is closed. The procedure typically takes 2 to 4 hours to complete.
Risks of Mastectomy
Risks of mastectomy after the procedure include:
- Shoulder pain
- Armpit pain
- Bleeding
- Swelling (edema)
- Infection are among the potential complications.
Post-Mastectomy Recovery Process
Post-mastectomy recovery varies depending on the stage of breast cancer. However, the general process is as follows. Mastectomy is a surgical procedure, so the patient needs to stay in the hospital for at least 2 days. During this period, the patient is not very mobile. Necessary examinations are conducted during this time. After being discharged, the patient needs to perform specific exercises to prevent stiffness in the breast area. Medications prescribed should be taken strictly on time. Stitches can be removed two weeks after surgery. Complete recovery may take up to 4 weeks, though this duration may be longer or shorter for some patients. Avoiding the use of bras is also recommended during this period.
Post-Mastectomy Silicone
Post-mastectomy silicone procedures can be performed. Mastectomy may result in skin loss. To address this, a tissue expander (an empty silicone balloon) is placed under the chest muscle. The patient waits three weeks after the surgery. During this time, the tissues heal. After three weeks, saline is injected into the silicone balloon. The inflation process takes about 2 to 3 months. The tissue expander inflates slowly, causing gradual breast enlargement. Once the desired breast size is 50% more than the target size, the process stops. The patient undergoes surgery again, where the tissue expander is replaced with a silicone implant, completing the procedure.
