Mastectomy Overview:
A mastectomy, also known as breast removal surgery, is a surgical procedure aimed at removing a breast, which may also involve the removal of lymph nodes. It is frequently used as a treatment for breast cancer.
Following the mastectomy, a breast reconstruction procedure may be performed to restore the breast’s shape, either simultaneously or as a second operation. The mastectomy indications include an enlarged tumor, multiple tumors, and being unable to undergo radiation therapy. The size of the breast determines the type of mastectomy to be undergone. High-risk women may opt for a mastectomy to prevent cancer. Breast cancer is most prevalent in women over 50, making mastectomy more common. Early detection, risk factors, and personal considerations influence the decision. Early detection allows for less invasive treatments.
Mastectomy Types
There are various types of mastectomy procedures, and they include:
- Total mastectomy: Removal of all the breast tissue, leaving the pectoral muscles.
- Bilateral mastectomy: Total removal of both breasts; it is usually performed in a case whereby the case at hand is very high.
- Skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomy: Removing the breast tissue with sparing of the skin and/or the nipple for reconstruction.
- Modified radical mastectomy: Removal of all the breast tissue as well as the lymph nodes found along the underarms on the same side where the first breach of the cancer occurs.
- Radical mastectomy: It is a very rare surgical procedure that involves removal of all the breast tissues, underarm lymph nodes, and the pectoral muscles that lie below the breast.
- Partial mastectomy: It is a surgical procedure in which the cancerous mammary gland tissues are removed while the other mammary gland tissues are preserved.
Mastectectomy Procedure, Recovery, and Post-Procedure Care
Preparation: Before the actual surgery, the physician and the patient must discuss the condition, the available treatments for the disease, and the preferences for breast reconstruction, thus creating a highly detailed master plan for them. Such a plan includes considerations of possible risks and expectations post-recovery, possible types of mastectomy, imaging tests, lymph node biopsy, blood tests, psychological counseling, and the breast reconstruction options available.
During the procedure: General anesthesia is provided, and IV fluids are given; the surgical area is sterilized, and antibiotics are administered. Trace or blue dye is sometimes injected to illuminate lymph nodes. Surgeons remove breast tissue, reconstruct with artificial implants or tissue, and often leave a temporary drain for a week or two.
After the procedure: Following surgery, in-hospital care might be necessary for close monitoring; lab work would be awaited and possibly additional treatments begun, including radiation or chemotherapy. Follow-up surgeries may be necessary to complete the reconstruction for cosmetic appearance.
Mastectomy recovery: A complete recovery will be achieved after four to six weeks, even though the wound heals in three weeks. In the first days, patients are rather tired, sore, and stiff, but taking pain relievers and exercising will ease this discomfort.
Post-procedure care: Post-surgery mastectomy surgery care includes:
• Adhering to the prescribed pain medication for the incision site.
• Insertion of drainage tubes.
• Hospital stay for a few days and rest and recovery.
• Doctors advise one to keep the incision site clean.
• Continue with prescribed pain medication.
• Must abstain from heavy lifting and rigorous exercise for many weeks.
• Healthy diet: fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and many other healthy food items.
• Wear a comfortable post-surgical bra; get adequate rest and care for swelling; practice good hygiene and look for signs of infection; and keep regularly scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon.
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Procedure Name
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        Mastectomy Surgery
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Type of Surgery
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   Open, endoscopic or robotic-assisted
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Types of Anesthesia
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           General anesthesia
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Procedure Duration
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              1 to 3 hours
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Recovery Duration
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             4 to 6 weeks
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Benefits of Mastectomy Surgery
- Complete removal of cancerous breast tissue.
- Improved survival rates lower cancer recurrence risk, especially for high-risk women.
- Provides psychological support.
- Breast reconstruction restores breast appearance and improves body image.
