mastectomy

mastectomy Treatment & Diagnostics in Sadashiv Peth, Pune

Intro

A mastectomy is a surgical procedure performed for removing all breast tissue for treating or preventing breast cancer. In the case of early-stage breast cancer, this might be one option. Another option is lumpectomy, a breast-conserving surgery in which the tumor is removed and the breast tissues are kept intact.

Thanks to newer mastectomy techniques, there are ways to preserve breast skin so that you have a natural appearance. You also have the option to undergo breast reconstruction surgery after your mastectomy to restore your breast’s shape.

In simple terms, mastectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the breast.

Types/Classification

There are three types of mastectomy:

• Total mastectomy - Also known as a simple mastectomy, this procedure involves removing the entire breast including the nipple, areola, and breast tissue. A sentinel lymph node biopsy might also be performed with this procedure.
• Skin-sparing mastectomy - In this, all the breast tissue, areola, and nipple are removed, but the breast skin is left intact. A breast reconstruction procedure might be performed after this procedure. However, this surgery is not suited for larger tumors.
• Nipple-sparing mastectomy - Also known as an areola-sparing mastectomy, this procedure involves removing only the breast
• tissue and sparing the nipple, areola, and the skin. Immediately after the procedure, the breast reconstruction surgery can be performed:

Symptoms

A mastectomy might be recommended to you if you:

• Can’t have radiation therapy
• Prefer extensive surgery instead of radiation therapy
• Have had BCS with re-excision hat didn’t remove cancer completely
• Have had your breast treated with radiation therapy before
• Have multiple areas of cancer in the breast that are far and can’t be removed together without altering the appearance of the breast too much
• Are pregnant
• Have a tumor bigger than 5 cm or 2 inches
• Have a genetic factor like BRCA mutation that increases the possibility of a second cancer
• Have inflammatory breast cancer
• Have a serious connective tissue disease like pups or scleroderma that makes you sensitive to the radiation therapy and its side effects

Causes

Here are some cases in which mastectomy is the preferred treatment option:

• Noninvasive breast cancer or Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DICS)
• Early stages of breast cancer (Stage I and II)
• Locally advanced stage of breast cancer (Stage III) after chemotherapy
• Paget’s disease of the breast
• Inflammatory breast cancer
• Locally recurrent breast cancer

When to see a doctor

You should request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals immediately if you experience:

• Uncontrolled pain
• A fever of higher than 101 degrees F
• Increased pain, drainage, swelling, redness, or warmth at the surgical site
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Any new or severe symptoms
• Swelling in the legs or arms
• Changes in the drainage like more than usual, saturated dressing, bright red and thick drainage, and drainage suddenly stop

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Pune

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

Preparing for a test or procedure

In order to prepare for your mastectomy, you need to follow the below-mentioned tips:

• Talk to your doctor about the medications, supplements,
• and vitamins you are taking
• Stop taking blood-thinning medications like aspirin
• Don’t drink or eat anything for 8 to 12 hours prior to the procedure
• Make arrangements for a hospital stay

Complications

Just like any other surgical procedure, there are certain complications associated with mastectomy:

• Pin
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Lymphedema (swelling) in your arm
• Formation of hard scar tissue
• Numbness from lymph node removal
• Hematoma (buildup of blood at the site of surgery)
• Stiffness and pain in the shoulder

Treatment

Mastectomy is an umbrella term that is used for multiple techniques that involve removing one or both breasts. In some cases, the doctor might also remove lymph nodes for determining if cancer has spread. The lymph nodes that are removed during the procedure are tested for cancer.

The surgery will start by administering general anesthesia. Then, the surgeon will make an elliptical incision around the breast. Then, depending on the procedure, they will remove the breast tissue and other parts of the breast.

Conclusion

The results of your pathology will be available within 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure. During your follow-up appointment, the doctor will explain to you if your cancer has spread or not. Then, depending on whether you need more treatment or not, your doctor will refer you to a radiation oncologist, a medical oncologist, a plastic surgeon, or a support group.