Mastectomy

Mastectomy Procedure in Alwarpet, Chennai

Mastectomy is a surgical procedure that removes tissues from the breast as a preventative measure for breast cancer. Given the advancement in medical science today, total mastectomy is not the only option. 

Mastectomy is performed under general anesthesia, wherein parts of your breast tissue along with lymph nodes are removed. After the surgery is complete, the tissue and the lymph nodes are sent to a laboratory for analysis. 

What is mastectomy?

Mastectomy is the surgical procedure for removing either breast tissue, lymph nodes or your entire breast to either avoid the risk of developing cancer or as a preventative measure. Mastectomy is seen as one of the most common treatment plans for breast cancer along with radiation therapy.

Mastectomy is seen not only as a treatment method but also as a way of preventing the possibility of developing breast cancer for high-risk patients. 

To know more, consult a breast surgery specialist near you or visit a breast surgery hospital near you.

What are the types of mastectomy?

In today’s world, advancement in medical science has allowed patients to have more options to choose from to make a more informed decision about their health. There are six types of mastectomy. They are:

• Total Mastectomy - Also known as a simple mastectomy. During this procedure, the entire breast, including the areola, nipples and skin. are removed. This mastectomy is performed when early-stage breast cancer has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes. 
• Modified Radical Mastectomy - This procedure is done to understand whether cancer has affected your lymph nodes under your arm. It involves the removal of your entire breast consisting of areola, nipple and skin sling with a few axillary lymph nodes. 
• Radical Mastectomy -  It involves the removal of an entire breast, the lymph nodes, the pectoral muscles and the overlying skin. 
• Partial Mastectomy - This procedure is performed only when there is a small cancerous growth in your breast. It involves removing the cancerous growth along with some of your healthy tissues. 
• Skin Sparing Mastectomy - This surgery is done when the cancer is not near your skin or on the surface. It involves removing the breast tissue, areola and nipple but keeping the skin intact. It is performed when a breast reconstruction surgery will be immediately performed after the mastectomy. 
• Nipple Sparing Mastectomy - This type of mastectomy is performed when the cancer is in its early stages. It involves the removal of your breast tissue and the duct. It spares the areola and nipples and involves breast reconstruction surgery afterward. 

When do you need to visit your doctor?

If you experience any bleeding, infection at the site of your surgery, extreme pain, trouble moving your arms, swollen arms and skin discoloration, then it is time you visit your doctor. 

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Alwarpet, Chennai.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

What are the risks of mastectomy?

These include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Lymphedema - swelling of your arms
• Scarring
• Stiff shoulders
• Hematoma - blood accumulating at the surgical site
• Numbness

How do you prepare for a mastectomy?

Your doctor will take your medical history and do a physical exam to see if you have any lumps in your breast. Your doctor might suggest you get a mammogram to determine whether you have breast cancer or not. Once the decision has been made, speak to your doctor about your options. Whether you want breast reconstruction surgery after the mastectomy should also be discussed. Once you have decided, you start preparing for your surgery, 

Before the Surgery

If you are drinking, smoking or taking any medication, your doctor will ask you to stop doing so seven days before the surgery. You will be instructed to not drink or eat anything for 8 to 12 hours before your surgery. 

During the Surgery

You will be taken to the operation theatre where general anesthesia will be administered. The doctor will cut your breast and then take out the breast tissue and lymph nodes and any other part of the breast depending on the type of mastectomy you opted for. 

If you have breast reconstruction surgery immediately after your mastectomy, it will involve the plastic surgeon putting temporary chest expanders that will help in the formation of your new breasts. 

After the Surgery

Once the surgery is completed, you will be taken to the recovery room. The nurse will check your heart rate and pulse till the effects of the anesthesia wear off. Once it does, you will be taken to your room where you will have to stay for a few days. 

After a few days, you will be allowed to go home. The doctor will prescribe pain medication to keep your pain under control.  

Conclusion

Mastectomy is a surgical procedure that removes tissues from the breast as a preventative measure for breast cancer. The risks of getting mastectomy involve itching, numbness, swelling, pain and bleeding.

Mastectomy is performed under general anesthesia and involves removing breast tissues, lymph nodes and sending these to a lab for analysis. After your surgery, your doctor will give you pain medications and instructions on how to look after your stitches. You must visit your doctor for follow-ups every week.

References

https://www.healthline.com/health/breast-cancer/mastectomy#preparation
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/mastectomy/about/pac-20394670
https://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/mastectomy