Introduction

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in breast tissue. While the diagnosis of breast cancer can be overwhelming, advancements in medical science have made various treatment options available, including surgery. Surgical interventions, such as mastectomy and lumpectomy, play a crucial role in the treatment and management of breast cancer. This blog explores the different surgical options available for breast cancer patients, what to expect during preparation, and the potential complications to be aware of.

What is breast cancer? Cancer is a disease of the body’s cells. Normally, cells grow in a controlled manner, but sometimes cells become abnormal and continue to grow. This is called a tumor. Cancer is the term used to describe a collection of these cells. Because cancerous cells can arise from almost any type of tissue cell, cancer actually refers to over 100 different diseases.

 Breast cancer surgery can be used alone or in combination with other treatments such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy.

Surgery may be an option that involves various procedures such as:

• Mastectomy surgery to remove the entire breast
• Lumpectomy surgery to remove a portion of breast tissue
• Surgery to remove nearby lymph nodes
• Surgery for breast reconstruction after mastectomy

1.Simple mastectomy surgery

 This procedure removes your entire breast, including the nipple. It does not remove your lymph nodes, the small glands that are part of your immune system. You may have this procedure if the cancer has spread to your lymph nodes. or if you are having a mastectomy to reduce your risk of breast cancer

2.Lumpectomy surgery

This involves removing the tumor along with some of the breast tissue around it. You will likely need radiation treatment later. Also, a lumpectomy is usually not an option if you are pregnant and if you have a large tumor or if the cancer has spread outside of the breast tissue.

3.Lymph node surgery

An important part of breast cancer surgery involves checking the lymph nodes to see if the cancer has spread. Doctors usually do this at the time of the actual surgery, but they may do it later. Types are axillary lymph node dissection ALND surgeon removes about 10 to 20 lymph nodes from under the arm to check for cancer.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy The surgeon finds and removes the lymph node where breast cancer has spread first. This surgery is less likely to cause swelling in the arm than ALND.

Preparation for breast cancer surgery

Regardless of the type of breast cancer surgery, you will need to take steps to prepare. First, you will need to take your medical history. Your doctor will ask you about any medications, including vitamins and supplements. You may also want to know if you have had any reactions to medications or surgical procedures in the past, if you have any conditions that may affect how your body responds to surgery, such as If you have heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure, you should tell your doctor at this time

As your breast cancer surgery date approaches, your doctor may order tests for you, including a chest X-ray, EKG, and blood and urine tests. Is your body ready for surgery? They may also do a CT scan to check the size and location of your tumor.

Complications

Breast cancer surgery is a safe procedure but carries a small risk of complications bleeding infection pain breast reconstruction wound healing problems swelling of the arm used to put you to sleep during surgery Drug-related risks such as confusion, muscle pain, and vomiting include breast cancer.

A surgeon performs a lumpectomy and mastectomy to remove breast cancer. Doctors usually request lymph node surgery to monitor the progress of breast cancer and assess the spread of its cells. Men with more advanced cancer And women usually undergo a mastectomy where a surgeon removes the entire breast and sometimes part of the chest wall muscle. A lumpectomy preserves healthy breast tissue so recovery time is shorter than a mastectomy.

Conclusion

Breast cancer surgery is a vital component in the fight against breast cancer, offering patients a chance at recovery and long-term survival. Understanding the different surgical options, the preparation involved, and the potential risks can empower patients to make informed decisions about their treatment. Whether it’s a lumpectomy to preserve breast tissue or a mastectomy to remove the entire breast, these surgical procedures, combined with other therapies, provide a comprehensive approach to battling breast cancer. As with any medical procedure, discussing your options with your healthcare provider is essential to choosing the best treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.