Vital Considerations When Undergoing Breast Surgery

By Marissa Velazquez


More often than not, breast surgery is done so that cancer does not recur. The tumors are removed so that they do not reappear or spread to other body parts. Factors such as tumor location, its node status and grade are considered when going for the surgical operation. There are various procedures that can be used in the surgical operation. Of these, there are three main ones; lumpectomy, mastectomy and quadrantectomy. The procedure chosen will depend on severity of the situation.

The least invasive of these procedures is lumpectomy, and is always classified as partial mastectomy. The classification is due to the fact that there is removal of some breast sections. Since minimal amount of tissue is removed and very small scars left, there are minimal changes to breasts. Normally, it is also referred to as a wide local excision. It is majorly done for removal of the tumor and small amount of tissues that are in the surrounding.

The lump is felt by the hands, but the surgeon uses information that is contained in the mammogram report or ultrasound report for better efficiency. After removal of the lumps, there should be placement of a radiation catheter device into the lumpectomy cavity. This will allow the radiologist to give branch therapy which is a radiation method delivered within the breast.

Quadrantectomy, also referred to as partial mastectomy, involves removal of slightly more tissues. During the procedure, the breasts are left intact, with one quarter of the affected breasts removed. The tumor is not taken on its own; 2 or 3 centimeters of tissues around them are also taken so that there is no chance of leaving the cancerous cells. Skin that is around is also gotten rid of.

There is removal of lymph nodes that may be close to the tumor, and then they are tested for cancer. A surgical drain helps to fasten healing. This procedure has the effect of changing not only the size but also shape of breasts. Padding around bras is used to improve appearance and shape of breasts. Plastic surgery can also be used to remodel breasts so that they attain the required shape. Plastic surgery is done prior to treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.

Mastectomy is the most ancient treatment option. In this, there is complete removal of breasts and at times even together with its muscles and skin. The procedure has various degrees. There is the simple or total mastectomy in which there is removal of all skin and tissues, including the nipples and the areola. Lymph nodes and chest muscles are left undisturbed.

In the case of modified radical mastectomy, the areola and nipples are removed with most skin as well. Lymph nodes and breast tissues are also removed. For radical mastectomy however, there normally is full removal of tissues, skin, areola and nipples. Testing of lymph nodes for cancerous cells is done.

In order to get a good surgeon for breast surgery, one can get recommendations from the right people. Friends, relatives and family doctors come in handy in this. Surgeons of choice should be knowledgeable and experienced.




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