Breast Cancer Surgery: Overview, Preparation, Procedure, Recovery, Risks, and Aftercare
Overview
Surgery is one of the primary treatment options for breast cancer patients that involves removing cancerous tissue. Several factors influence the type of surgery recommended, including the size and location of the tumor, the stage of the cancer, and the patient's overall health. A breast cancer surgery may involve removing only the tumor and a small portion of the surrounding tissue (breast-conserving surgery) or removing the entire breast (mastectomy). To assess the spread of cancer, lymph nodes may also be removed.
Preparation
There are several key steps involved in preparing for breast cancer surgery:
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The patient will undergo a thorough medical evaluation, including physical exams, imaging tests (such as mammograms or MRIs) and biopsies to diagnose and stage breast cancer.
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The patient will meet with a multidisciplinary team of physicians, including surgeons, oncologists, and radiologists, to discuss treatment options, including surgery, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
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Support and education: Patients will learn about the surgical procedure, the risks and benefits, and what to expect during recovery. To address emotional and psychological concerns, they may also receive support from counselors, support groups, or breast cancer organizations.
Procedure
The following steps are typically involved in breast cancer surgery:
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During surgery, the patient will receive general anesthesia to ensure they are unconscious and pain-free.
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To access the tumor or breast tissue, the surgeon makes an incision in the breast or chest wall.
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The surgeon will either remove the tumor and the surrounding healthy tissue (lumpectomy) or remove the entire breast (mastectomy) depending on the type of surgery. In some cases, lymph nodes may also be removed (sentinel node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection) to assess cancer spread.
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As soon as the tumor or breast tissue has been removed, the surgeon will close the incision with sutures or surgical staples and apply bandages or surgical dressings.
Recovery
Although recovery from breast cancer surgery varies depending on the type of surgery and individual factors, a few general guidelines can be followed:
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Patients undergoing mastectomy or lymph node removal may need to stay in the hospital for one or more nights, while those undergoing lumpectomy may return home the same day.
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After surgery, patients may experience pain, discomfort, and swelling, which can be managed with pain medication, rest, and ice packs.
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In order to promote healing and prevent complications, patients should limit physical activity following surgery, including lifting heavy objects and strenuous exercise.
Risks
There are certain risks and potential complications associated with breast cancer surgery, including:
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It is possible to develop an infection at the surgical site, which may require antibiotics.
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It is possible to experience excessive bleeding during or after surgery, which may require additional treatment.
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A lymph node removal may cause lymphedema, characterized by swelling and fluid buildup in the affected arm or breast.
Aftercare
Breast cancer patients will receive instructions for aftercare and follow-up appointments after surgery, including:
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Patients will be given instructions on how to care for their surgical incisions, including keeping them clean and dry and changing dressings as needed.
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The patient will have regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare team to assess their surgical outcomes and discuss further treatment options, such as chemotherapy or radiation.
Breast cancer surgery patients can support their recovery and overall well-being by understanding the overview, preparation, procedure, recovery, risks, and aftercare associated with the procedure.
