What is Breast Cancer Surgery?

Breast cancer surgery is a key treatment method designed to remove cancerous tissues while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible. It can be performed alone or as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapy, depending on the cancer's stage and biological characteristics.

 

Phase 1: Preoperative Evaluation

Before deciding on surgery, a comprehensive assessment is conducted, including:

• Determining the size and exact location of the tumor within the breast
• Assessing whether the tumor is localized or has spread
• Evaluating the lymph nodes under the arm (axillary lymph nodes)
• Reviewing biopsy results to identify the type of cancer
• Assessing the patient’s overall health condition

Based on these findings, the medical team determines the most appropriate surgical approach.

 

Types of Breast Cancer Surgery

1. Lumpectomy (Breast-Conserving Surgery)

This procedure involves removing the tumor along with a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue while preserving the rest of the breast. It is usually followed by radiation therapy to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.

This option is most suitable for early-stage cases where the tumor is small and localized.

 

. Mastectomy

This involves the complete removal of breast tissue and may sometimes include the skin or nipple, depending on the case. It is typically recommended for larger tumors, multiple tumor sites, or certain preventive situations.

 

. Skin-Sparing or Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy

These advanced techniques aim to improve cosmetic outcomes by preserving the breast skin and/or nipple while removing the underlying breast tissue. This approach facilitates better reconstruction results.

 

. Lymph Node Surgery

This includes:

• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: To determine whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes
• Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: Performed if cancer spread is confirmed

 

. Breast Reconstruction

Reconstruction can be performed either immediately during the same surgery or at a later stage, using:

• Breast implants
• Or the patient’s own tissue (autologous reconstruction)

The goal is to restore the natural shape of the breast and support the patient’s psychological well-being.

 

Surgical Procedure Steps

• The surgery is performed under general anesthesia
• The surgeon removes the tumor or breast tissue according to the treatment plan
• The removed tissue is sent for pathological analysis to ensure complete cancer removal
• Temporary drainage tubes may be placed in some cases
• The procedure typically takes between 1 to 3 hours, depending on its complexity

 

Recovery After Surgery

• Hospital stay ranges from one day to several days
• Mild to moderate pain is expected and can be managed with medication
• Gradual return to normal daily activities over a few weeks
• Follow-up visits are required for wound care and removal of stitches or drains

 

Postoperative (Adjuvant) Therapy

After surgery, additional treatments may be required, including:

• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Hormonal therapy
• Targeted therapy

These treatments aim to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and improve long-term outcomes.