Surgical Options for Treating Breast Cancer
Treatment of any type of cancer has two main goals: to completely remove the cancerous growth and prevent cancer from coming back. A team of doctors that includes oncologists, surgeons, radiation therapists, and counselors will consider the following factors before deciding on the treatment protocol that will be the best for you:
- The type of cancer
- If the tumor contains proteins like HER2 and hormones like estrogen
- The stage of the cancer
- If the patient is undergoing menopause
- The patient’s overall health
The most common options for breast cancer treatment are surgery, chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy, Targeted Therapy, Immunotherapy, Hormone Therapy, and Clinical Trials
Types of Surgery Recommended for Breast Cancer
- Breast-conserving Surgery
Surgery will be recommended to remove as much cancer tissues as much as possible. If only a portion of the breast is removed along with the surgery it is called breast-conserving surgery. This is medically known as lumpectomy. - Mastectomy
If the entire breast is removed along with the nearby tissues, this procedure is called mastectomy. If cancer has spread to both breasts, a double mastectomy is done to remove both breasts. - Biopsy
It is a simple procedure where tissues are removed through tiny tubes and tested under the microscope to check if they are cancerous. Breast cancer is most likely to spread to lymph nodes in the underarms. These lymph nodes are removed during breast cancer surgery or a biopsy can be done separately later. The two types of biopsy done to test lymph nodes are: - Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
In some circumstances, the cancer is most likely to spread to lymph nodes under the arms. Removing a few lymph nodes reduces the risk of side effects from the surgery. - Axillary lymph Node Dissection
If the surgeon removes multiple lymph nodes from under the arms, the surgery is called Axillary lymph node dissection. - Breast Reconstruction
If a mastectomy has been done, doctors will do another surgery to restore the shape of the breast. This procedure is called breast reconstruction. Many women opt for this surgery to restore the shape of the breast so that it does not affect their appearance. This is an optional surgery. It can be done along with the lumpectomy or after some time. This decision too will be taken based on the extent of cancer and overall health of the patient and her preference.
Post-surgery guidelines to keep in mind
- Some of the expected side effects of surgery are fatigue, stiffness in the arm in the side of the breast that was operated on, numbness and tingling sensations, fluid buildup. Most of the symptoms will go away as your overall health improves. If symptoms persist visit the doctor and get a consult.
- A drain will be fixed to the surgery site for about 3 weeks to drain out the fluids.
- You will be taught to change the dressing. You will be also be wearing a special bra so that the dressing does not come off.
- Keep the incision dry and only have sponge baths. Have a shower only after the doctor’s advice.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and lotions in the surgery site. Once the bandages are off, you can massage it will Vitamin E oil.
- You can try out mild exercises to regain mobility.
- Fix follow up visits in advance and mark them in your calendar and make sure never miss one.
