Reasons For Breast Surgery And Essential Facts To Consider

By Marissa Velazquez


Most breast surgery is meant for preventing recurrence of cancer. The main aim is to remove the tumor so that it does not reappear in the breasts or even spread to other body parts. For those that are considering surgery for breasts, there are choices to be made depending on such factors as location of the tumor, its grade and also node status. There are three main procedures used for the surgical operation; lumpectomy, quadrantectomy and mastectomy.

The least invasive of these procedures is lumpectomy, and is always classified as partial mastectomy. The classification is due to the fact that there is removal of some breast sections. Since minimal amount of tissue is removed and very small scars left, there are minimal changes to breasts. Normally, it is also referred to as a wide local excision. It is majorly done for removal of the tumor and small amount of tissues that are in the surrounding.

The lump is felt by the hands, but the surgeon uses information that is contained in the mammogram report or ultrasound report for better efficiency. After removal of the lumps, there should be placement of a radiation catheter device into the lumpectomy cavity. This will allow the radiologist to give branch therapy which is a radiation method delivered within the breast.

Quadrantectomy is also a partial mastectomy and involves removing much more tissue than is done in lumpectomy. During the procedure, breasts are left intact, with one quarter of them removed after that. The tumor is removed with around 3 centimeters of tissue around it. This offers surety that the infection is not left on the tissues. In addition, skin and muscles that are lying around is also gotten rid of.

Any lymph nodes close to the tumor are removed and tested for cancerous cells. Healing after surgery is helped by a surgical drain. Sizes and shapes of breasts are changed after the procedure. This will call for the use of padding around the bra to enhance shape and appearance of breasts. Remodeling of breasts can also be done through plastic surgery. This form of surgical operation is best done before beginning any treatment like radiation or chemotherapy.

The oldest of these procedures is mastectomy in which the entire organ is removed. The muscles and skin in the surrounding are also removed. There are various degrees of the procedures. In a simple or total mastectomy, there usually is entire removal of all tissues and the skin, plus the areola and nipples. Lymph nodes and muscles also get tested.

In the case of modified radical mastectomy, the areola and nipples are removed with most skin as well. Lymph nodes and breast tissues are also removed. For radical mastectomy however, there normally is full removal of tissues, skin, areola and nipples. Testing of lymph nodes for cancerous cells is done.

In order to get a good surgeon for breast surgery, one can get recommendations from the right people. Friends, relatives and family doctors come in handy in this. Surgeons of choice should be knowledgeable and experienced.




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