Surgeries To Treat Breast Cancer: A Quick Guide
Globally, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer, affecting millions of people around the world. When a person is diagnosed with breast cancer, they may be daunted by the idea of undergoing surgery. However, advancements in medical science have made breast cancer surgery one of the most effective treatments to fight this disease. Surgical treatment can aid in the removal of cancerous tissue, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the body. Surgery to treat breast cancer can potentially save lives and result in a better quality of life for the affected people. Let’s discuss the types of surgeries and how they can help a patient deal with this complex illness.
- Size of a patient’s affected breast and the cancerous tissue.
- The location of cancer in the breast area and its chances of spreading to other body parts.
- General health conditions.
- The patient's attitude towards surgical procedures like the removal of their breasts.
- Breast-Conserving Surgery: This surgery focuses on removing only the cancerous part while preserving most of the breast tissue. Also known as lumpectomy, this procedure ensures that the patient retains their breasts. However, one usually requires radiation therapy after the surgery to prevent the further spread of cancer. This surgery can have variations like quadrantectomy, segmental mastectomy, and partial mastectomy based on how much tissue requires removal.
- Mastectomy: This surgical option involves the removal of the entire breast to get rid of the cancerous tissue. The surgeon removes the breast tissue along with the tissue on the chest wall. Some women may be hesitant to go for this option but it can have incredible benefits for managing cancer. Patients can seek breast reconstruction surgery to recreate their breasts.
- Lymph Node Removal: The doctors may perform surgery to remove the lymph nodes near the cancerous tissue if it spreads to that area.
- Breast Reconstruction Surgery: Patients can opt for breast reconstruction surgery after lumpectomy or mastectomy to develop their breasts again.