Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, affecting thousands of women and men worldwide each year. Treatment options for breast cancer can vary depending on the stage of the disease, the patient’s age and overall health, and other factors.
Surgery is often one of the first options for breast cancer treatment, and it can be an effective way to remove cancerous tissue from the breast. This article will provide an overview of breast cancer surgery, including the types of surgeries available, the risks and benefits of each procedure, and what to expect during the recovery process.
Types of Breast Cancer Surgery
There are several types of breast cancer surgery, and the type of surgery recommended will depend on the size and location of the tumor, as well as other factors such as the patient’s age and overall health.
Lumpectomy: This type of surgery involves removing the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue from the breast. The goal of a lumpectomy is to remove the cancerous tissue while preserving as much of the breast as possible. This procedure is typically followed by radiation therapy to kill any remaining cancer cells.
Mastectomy: A mastectomy involves removing the entire breast, including the nipple and areola. This procedure is often recommended for larger tumors or if the cancer has spread to other parts of the breast.
Breast-conserving surgery (BCS): BCS is a combination of a lumpectomy and radiation therapy. This procedure removes the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue, followed by radiation therapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
Reconstruction: Breast reconstruction surgery is an option for women who have had a mastectomy. This procedure involves rebuilding the breast using a variety of techniques, such as implants or tissue taken from other parts of the body.
Risks and Benefits of Breast Cancer Surgery
Like any surgical procedure, breast cancer surgery comes with some risks. These can include bleeding, infection, and reactions to anesthesia. Other potential risks include nerve damage, scarring, and changes to the appearance of the breast.
Despite these risks, breast cancer surgery is often an effective way to remove cancerous tissue from the breast. Lumpectomies and BCS procedures can help preserve the breast, while mastectomies can remove the entire breast and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery from breast cancer surgery can vary depending on the type of procedure performed and the patient’s overall health. Following the surgery, patients may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with pain medication and ice packs.
Patients who have had a lumpectomy or BCS procedure may also require radiation therapy, which can cause skin irritation and fatigue. It’s important to follow all post-surgical instructions provided by your doctor, including any restrictions on physical activity and wound care.
In some cases, breast reconstruction surgery can be performed at the same time as the mastectomy, while in other cases, it may be done at a later date. Reconstruction can involve multiple procedures and may require several weeks or months of recovery time.
