Mastectomy can be defined as a surgical intervention to remove all or only some of the breast tissue; most commonly used in breast cancer cases, mastectomy can help prevent and treat cancer. Patients with breast cancer will always have to undergo surgery as a part of the treatment process. Additionally, patients with a high risk of developing breast cancer may also be recommended mastectomy to prevent the malignancy from developing in the future.
That said, if you are looking for the services of a breast surgeon in Wellington, FL, consider contacting Advanced Surgical Physicians. Our team comprises highly qualified professionals who understand the intricacies of breast surgery and its associated emotions. Our experts offer compassionate care and an expert approach to surgical interventions that prioritizes patient education and fast recoveries.
Still, before reaching out to us, let’s discuss the topic of mastectomy a bit closer to understand it better.
Reasons for Undergoing Mastectomy
Usually, breast removal surgery is performed for the following two main reasons:
- Treatment: In cases of breast cancer, mastectomy can be one of the most effective ways to remove the malignant cells from the body. This will involve removing any tissue with cancerous cells, meaning that this may either be relatively major or minor surgery, depending on the size of the tumor and how much tissue should be removed.
- Prevention: Specific genetic mutations may raise the chances of developing breast cancer by 85 percent in some women during their life. Genetic testing can help establish the presence of these genes (such as PTEN, p53, BRCA1, and BRCA2). When patients carry these genes, they may opt for prevention methods like undergoing prophylactic mastectomy, which may reduce breast cancer risks by around 90 percent.
Typically, breast removal surgery will be the go-to treatment option in the following medical conditions:
- Infiltrating lobular carcinoma
- Infiltrating ductal carcinoma
- Inflammatory breast cancer
- Triple-negative breast cancer
- Paget’s disease of the breast
- High risk of breast cancer development
On the other hand, when the tumor has been discovered at a relatively early stage, surgeons may be able to eliminate the cancer completely by removing only a third (or even less) of the breast tissue with the help of lumpectomy or partial mastectomy. Larger tumors may require the removal of the entire breast.
All in all, it will depend on the tumor size and breast size. That being said, each case will be slightly different. A lumpectomy will often be a simple procedure, lasting for an hour, while total or double mastectomies will take longer. Ultimately, breast reconstruction surgery will probably be the most extensive intervention in most cases.
Lumpectomy VS. Mastectomy
Technically, the first is also a kind of mastectomy called partial mastectomy. Still, most people tend to think about mastectomy only as total mastectomy or the removal of the entire or both breasts.
If the malignancy is discovered at an earlier stage, patients may be able to opt between lumpectomy or total mastectomy. If patients choose the first option, providers may continue the treatment plan with radiation therapy and will also want to discuss additional treatments.
A lumpectomy will minimize recovery time and will preserve as much breast tissue as possible. Still, some patients may opt for mastectomy to avoid radiation therapy or may want to take advantage of the cosmetic outcome of having breast reconstruction surgery.
Types of Mastectomy Procedures
Depending on how much breast tissue gets removed, the following types of mastectomies may be performed:
- Simple or Total Mastectomy: This surgery will remove all the breast tissue but will leave the pectoral muscles intact. Total mastectomies can be unilateral (the removal of only one breast) or may affect both breasts (bilateral mastectomy).
- Bilateral Mastectomy or Double Mastectomy: A double mastectomy means the removal of both breasts. Most often, this is performed when the cancer affects both breasts or if the patient has a high risk of cancer development in both breasts.
- Nipple- and/or Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: These surgeries remove the affected breast tissue but save the nipple and the skin, which can be used when reconstructing the breast.
- Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Surgery: Depending on your medical condition and treatment plan, breast reconstruction surgery may be possible simultaneously with your mastectomy, regardless of whether it’s a skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomy. Alternatively, you have the option to undergo breast reconstruction in a separate surgery at a later time.
- Modified Radical Mastectomy: This surgery removes the entire breast tissue and the lymph nodes on the same side, where breast cancer usually first spreads.
- Radical Mastectomy: This intervention removes all of the breast tissue, the underarm lymph nodes, and the pectoral muscles under the breast. These surgeries are rare nowadays but may be required if the cancer has managed to affect the muscles as well.
The Mastectomy Procedure
Before surgery, healthcare providers will discuss their condition with the patient and will talk about treatment options and preferences regarding breast reconstruction. Most often, these consultations will touch bases on the type of mastectomy surgeons recommend, the accompanying treatments to eliminate the malignancy, and additional cosmetic interventions and therapies that the patient may want.
Right before the procedure, the healthcare providers will administer general anesthesia to the patient. After that, the surgeon will sterilize the intervention site and give antibiotics via an IV to prevent any infections.
In some cases, surgeons may also administer a mild radioactive substance to highlight any lymph nodes nearby.
Then, the surgeon will remove the breast tissue. As mentioned above, they might spare the skin and the nipple. Also, they will remove any additional tissue where the cancer has spread. The nearby lymph nodes may also be removed, depending on the stage of the malignancy.
After that, the surgeons may commence with the complete reconstruction of the breast. This may involve using artificial implants or tissue from other areas of the body. Still, some patients will have the reconstruction procedures later.
In some instances, surgeons may leave a temporary drain in the site to draw away excess fluid from the wound and collect it in a bulb on the outside.
After surgery, patients may require to wait for lab test results to determine the upcoming steps in the treatment plan. The results will usually be in in a couple of weeks. In most cases, no additional surgery is required, but in some cases, surgeons may need to remove additional lymph nodes or more tissue in the affected area.
For the most part, additional cancer treatments will also be necessary. This may include chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Life After Mastectomy
There is absolutely life after a mastectomy. And while breast removal might not be the end of the cancer treatment journey, it’s a deciding factor that can bring a lot of relief. Still, the procedure can have a profound emotional impact on patients; most of them will be satisfied with the results of breast reconstruction.
Also, patients will have access to support and counseling groups to address any mental, emotional, and physical challenges.
To learn more about the procedure and breast cancer treatment in general, feel free to schedule an appointment with us today.
