About Breast Cancer Surgery
As the name implies, breast cancer surgery is a medical intervention that’s the most common treatment option when healthcare experts diagnose the presence of localized breast cancer. Still, when cancer has already spread to other parts of the body, other cancer treatments are required to eliminate the malignant cells. Sometimes, experts only remove the tumor from the breast, while in other cases, the entire breast needs to be removed to treat the cancer. In other cases, it may be an explorative surgery to look for spreading cells; in other cases, it may even involve breast reconstruction surgery.
If you are looking for options regarding Breast Cancer Surgery in Miami, FL, we encourage you to read this blog post about breast cancer surgery first, then reach out to us with your questions and concerns. Our expert team of surgeons is more than ready to help you.
Different Types of Breast Cancer Surgeries and Different Types of Surgeons
The type of surgery patients will undergo will depend on several factors, such as the type of cancer, its stage, the patient’s general health, and their personal preferences. Surgery may also be just a part of a larger treatment plan or the only intervention the patient needs.
Typically, there are two types of surgery that experts use for treating breast cancer: lumpectomy and mastectomy. Sometimes, additional interventions are needed, such as lymph node dissection and even breast reconstruction.
Lumpectomy
A lumpectomy, also known as breast-conserving surgery, is a surgical procedure that selectively removes a portion of breast tissue. It serves as an alternative treatment option for early-stage breast cancer cases where the tumor is relatively small and hasn’t metastasized. In this procedure, the primary objective is to excise the tumor or “lump” itself, along with a surrounding margin of tissue, to ensure the absence of residual cancer cells.
One advantage of opting for a lumpectomy is the preservation of most of the breast tissue. However, healthcare providers commonly recommend post-surgery radiation therapy to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Alternatively, some individuals may choose total mastectomy as a means to avoid radiation therapy. Nevertheless, for those with the choice, research has demonstrated that lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy is equally effective as total mastectomy in treating early-stage breast cancer.
Here are the most common lumpectomy interventions:
- Quadranrectomy
- Re-excision lumpectomy
- Wide local excision
- Excisional biopsy
Mastectomy
This type of breast cancer surgery is also called breast removal surgery. It’s the most common intervention for treating breast malignancy as it can help both with early- and late-stage cancers. Furthermore, as a preventative measure, it can be an option for high-risk patients who have yet to develop the malignancy.
The different types of mastectomy procedures include:
- Double mastectomy
- Total mastectomy
- Modified radical mastectomy
- Radical mastectomy
- Skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomy
Lymph Node Dissection
The lymphatic system is frequently the initial route through which cancer spreads, and the presence of cancer within your lymph nodes serves as an indicator that it might be extending beyond the confines of your breast. To investigate this, your surgeon may extract and examine one or multiple lymph nodes located beneath your arm adjacent to the breast afflicted by cancer. These are the primary sites where breast cancer cells are most likely to migrate and accumulate.
These procedures include:
- Axillary lymph node dissection
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy
Reconstructive Breast Surgery
If the patient has a large portion or even all of their breasts removed as part of cancer treatment, they may opt for reconstructive surgery to restore the shape of their breast or breasts.
In most cases, surgeons can rebuild the breast by using different plastic surgery methods right after the mastectomy or lumpectomy, or they may perform the surgery later, for instance, after chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
These surgeries include:
- Implant reconstruction
- Nipple reconstruction
- Autologous reconstruction (Flap reconstruction)
Breast Cancer Surgery Details
Now that you know about the most prominent surgical treatment options for breast cancer, let’s discuss the actual process of these procedures.
After receiving a diagnosis, patients will consult with their healthcare team to decide on the best breast procedure type. For the most part, the patient’s overall health condition and personal preference will be the two main factors in determining the ideal intervention. Still, it’s essential to know that the stage of the cancer will also play a significant role in the overall treatment plan.
The approach to the patient’s breast cancer surgery will be tailored to meet their specific requirements, guided by discussions with their healthcare team. The surgical procedure may involve the partial removal of one breast, the complete removal of one breast, or the removal of both breasts, depending on their circumstances. Additionally, if they haven’t previously undergone one, the surgery might include a sentinel lymph node biopsy, or if cancer has been detected in the axillary (underarm) lymph nodes, the removal of several or all of them.
For individuals who have chosen breast reconstruction, the surgeon may commence or finalize the reconstruction process during the same surgical session. This could involve making additional incisions on their body, such as harvesting tissue from another area for breast reconstruction. Alternatively, they may opt to postpone breast reconstruction until after completing their cancer treatment.
Benefits and Risks
The main benefit of these interventions is that they can remove life-threatening, malignant tumors, and the risks of breast cancer usually always outweigh the risks that are associated with breast procedures.
Still, there are potential complications and risks to these interventions, just as with any other surgery:
- Seroma
- Wound infection
- Blood clots
- Hematoma
- Lymphedema
- Nerve damage
Recovering From Breast Cancer Surgery and Outlook
After the intervention, patients may have limited arm and chest movement for a few weeks and will need pain medication. Patients will also be given shoulder and arm exercises to prevent any stiffness. Most patients will also feel tired following the procedure and may require weeks to see their energy levels return to normal. Still, most patients can get back to their everyday activities in a month or so.
During recovery, the patient’s medical team will check for examining the lymph node biopsy results to ensure that all cancer cells are eliminated from the body. Based on their findings, the patient might need additional surgery or other cancer treatment options such as chemo- or radiation therapy.
Opt For Expert Help
In managing nearly all forms and stages of breast cancer, surgery is a fundamental component of the treatment plan. Various surgical procedures play a pivotal role in breast cancer treatment, and the majority of individuals will undergo multiple surgeries. These procedures may range from tumor removal to the assessment of residual cancer cells or even breast reconstruction following mastectomy. Close collaboration between the patient and the surgeon is essential throughout the treatment journey. In-depth discussions will take place to explore individual options and preferences, ultimately shaping the most effective surgical approach to combat breast cancer.
That said, if you have any further questions about these procedures, schedule an appointment with our experts today.