SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF BREAST CANCER
Breast Cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. Surgery is an important part of breast cancer treatment as it helps to remove the cancer from the breast tissue. Different types of surgeries can be performed based on the stage and type of breast cancer.
As the Best Cancer Hospital in Pune, Galaxy Care Hospital performs breast cancer surgery every day. We understand surgery along with other treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy form the mainstay of breast cancer management. Through this blog, we are trying to spread more awareness of breast cancer management. Let’s begin!
WHY BREAST CANCER SURGERY IS DONE?
Breast cancer surgery is performed to remove the cancerous tumor from the breast with or without removing the entire breast. The main purposes of breast cancer surgery are to:
• Remove the cancer as much as possible to reduce the risk of recurrence
• Check if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes
• Restore the shape of the breast after the removal of cancerous tissue
• Provide relief from symptoms in advanced breast cancer
TYPES OF SURGICAL TREATMENT OF BREAST CANCER
The two main types of breast cancer surgery are:
• Breast-Conserving Surgery (Lumpectomy): Only the cancerous tumor along with some healthy tissue around it is removed. The rest of the breast tissue and nipple remains intact. It is suitable for early-stage breast cancers. Advantages include retaining most of the breast tissue and a quicker recovery. But radiation therapy is required in most cases.
• Mastectomy: The entire breast is removed. It may be a simple mastectomy where only the breast tissue is removed or a double mastectomy where both breasts are removed. Advantages include lower chances of recurrence and no need for radiation in most cases. Ensure you get timely surgical treatment and connect with Oncologists and Oncosurgeons at the Best Cancer Hospital in Pune for good results.
BREAST CANCER SURGERY BASED ON THE STAGE OF CANCER
1. High Risk of Breast Cancer:
People with a strong family history or genetic mutations have a high risk. Preventive (prophylactic) mastectomy can be done to reduce the risk by removing breast tissue before cancer develops. We recommend taking a second opinion with the Best Breast Cancer Specialist in Pune to ensure the need for surgery.
2. Noninvasive or In-situ Breast Cancer:
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) may be treated with lumpectomy followed by radiation to remove the pre-cancerous cells. Or mastectomy can also be an option.
3. Early-Stage Breast Cancer:
A lumpectomy or mastectomy is done to remove small, localized breast cancers completely. This is often followed by radiation and/or chemotherapy.
4. Larger Breast Cancer:
Chemotherapy may first be given to shrink large tumors, making lumpectomy possible. Or mastectomy is performed for complete removal.
5. Locally Advanced Breast Cancer:
Cancers that have spread to lymph nodes are treated with chemotherapy, then surgery (lumpectomy/mastectomy), and radiation.
6. Metastatic Breast Cancer:
Where cancer has spread to distant organs, surgery removes only the primary breast tumor to alleviate symptoms.
7. Recurrent Breast Cancer:
Additional surgery may be performed to remove tumors that have returned after initial treatment.
The choice between Lumpectomy vs. Mastectomy depends on factors like tumour size, breast size, genetic risk and patient preference. In many cases, survival rates after lumpectomy with radiation and mastectomy alone are similar. Consult the Best Oncologist in Pune for such breast cancer surgery.
RISKS AFTER BREAST CANCER SURGERY
• Bleeding, infection and pain are the most common risks.
• Arm swelling or lymphedema can occur after removal of lymph nodes.
• Numbness, altered sensation or loss of sensation in the breast or arm region.
• Cosmetic issues like scarring and breast shape changes are possible risks.
• Complications related to anaesthesia.
BREAST RECONSTRUCTION AFTER SURGERY
For many women undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer, getting their breasts restored through reconstruction surgery helps them regain confidence and normalcy in their lives. Breast reconstruction can be performed either immediately after mastectomy or at a later stage, based on medical factors and patient choice.
Breast reconstruction requires highly skilled surgeons who can perform both implant-based and autologous (using patient’s tissues) reconstruction procedures. In implant-based reconstruction, temporary tissue expanders are first placed which are then replaced with silicone or saline breast implants. This creates a natural breast contour.
CONCLUSION
Breast cancer surgery aims to remove the cancer while trying to preserve as much of the breast tissue as possible. At Galaxy Care Hospital, the Best Cancer Hospital in Pune, our expert breast cancer surgeons perform various types of breast cancer surgeries using the latest technologies such as laparoscopic surgery and robotic surgery for optimal breast cancer management and cosmetic outcomes. If you or your loved one is diagnosed with Breast Cancer or experiencing the early symptoms of Breast Cancer, do not delay seeking consultation from the Best Breast Cancer Specialist in Pune, and begin your treatment soon. Feel free to reach us!
