Breast Cancer Surgery

Breast cancer surgery refers to the surgical procedures used to treat breast cancer. The primary goal of breast cancer surgery is to remove the cancerous tumor and any affected tissue, while also preserving as much of the breast as possible.

Types of Breast Cancer Surgery

• Lumpectomy: A lumpectomy, also known as a partial mastectomy, involves removing the cancerous tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue. This procedure is often used for early-stage breast cancers.
• Mastectomy: A mastectomy involves removing the entire breast, including the nipple and areola. There are several types of mastectomies, including:
  • Simple mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast.
  • Modified radical mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast, as well as some of the lymph nodes under the arm.
  • Radical mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast, including the chest muscles and all of the lymph nodes under the arm.
• Quadrantectomy: A quadrantectomy involves removing one-quarter of the breast tissue, as well as some of the surrounding tissue.
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy: This procedure involves removing the first lymph node to which cancer cells are likely to spread. If the sentinel node is free of cancer, it may not be necessary to remove additional lymph nodes.

Reasons for Breast Cancer Surgery

Breast cancer surgery may be performed for several reasons, including:

• To diagnose breast cancer: A surgical biopsy may be performed to confirm the presence of breast cancer.
• To treat breast cancer: Surgery is often used as a primary treatment for breast cancer, either alone or in combination with other treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
• To relieve symptoms: In some cases, surgery may be performed to relieve symptoms such as pain or discomfort caused by a large tumor.

Risks and Complications of Breast Cancer Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with breast cancer surgery. These may include:

• Bleeding or hematoma: Excessive bleeding during or after surgery.
• Infection: Bacterial infection of the surgical site.
• Scarring: Formation of scar tissue at the surgical site.
• Numbness or tingling: Nerve damage during surgery can cause numbness or tingling in the breast or arm.
• Lymphedema: Swelling of the arm or hand due to removal of lymph nodes.

Recovery from Breast Cancer Surgery

Recovery from breast cancer surgery typically takes several weeks. During this time, patients may experience:

• Pain and discomfort: Managed with pain medication and rest.
• Swelling and bruising: Resolves on its own within a few weeks.
• Fatigue: Managed with rest and relaxation.
• Emotional distress: Support from family, friends, and mental health professionals can help manage emotional distress.

Follow-up Care after Breast Cancer Surgery

After breast cancer surgery, patients will need to follow up with their healthcare provider for:

• Wound care: To ensure the surgical site is healing properly.
• Pain management: To manage any ongoing pain or discomfort.
• Adjuvant therapy: To discuss additional treatments, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy, to reduce the risk of recurrence.
• Reconstruction: To discuss options for breast reconstruction, if desired.