Breast surgery is often the solution to women that have breast cancer. It is through the surgical operation that the tumors can be removed. There are various options, including breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy. There is the option of reconstructing the breasts at the same time as the surgical procedure or later on. The surgical operation is also used for checking the lymph nodes under the arm so that there is no spread of the disease. This can be done through either sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary dissection.
Breast conserving surgeries are also known as partial mastectomy. Parts of the breasts that are affected are removed. The size that is removed will depend on location and size of tumors plus various other factors. In the event that radiation therapy is to be given after the procedure, there is placement of small metal clips inside the breasts. These are used for marking areas for radiation treatments. The small metallic clips will always show in x-rays.
Lumpectomy involves getting rid of the tumors and the surrounding margins that have normal tissue. This procedure will be followed by radiation therapy. There however are times when chemotherapy needs to be given. In such instances, radiation gets delayed until chemotherapy is done with.
In quadrantectomy, more tissue is removed than is done in lumpectomy. One quarter of affected breasts are removed, which explains why it is called quadrantectomy. Radiation therapy is done after the procedure is completed. However, just like is the case in lumpectomy, if chemotherapy is to be done then radiation would have to be scheduled after that.
If in any case cancerous cells are present at edges of removed tissues, they will be known as positive margins. On the other hand, lack of these cells at the margins makes them be referred to as negative margins. Having positive margins implies that more cancerous cells are still present and the surgeon would have to remove more tissues in a process known as re-excision. In more serious cases, the margins cannot be cleared of the cells through removal of tissues. In such cases, more advanced procedures will be required, notably mastectomy.
The possible side effects of the entire procedure should be discussed with the surgeon well in advance. Some of the side effects include tenderness, temporary swelling, pain and hard scar tissue. Just like is the case with all surgical operations, bleeding and infections are big possibilities. One should be well aware of these effects before consenting to undergo treatment.
In the event that large portions of breasts are removed, their shape is bound to be considerably affected. This will make them look not only different but also unsymmetrical. This will call for reconstructive surgery. Alternatively, there are instances when unaffected breasts get reduced in size so that symmetry is achieved. Such reduction can be done during the first surgical procedure.
When considering breast surgery, it is essential to meet the doctor or plastic surgeon beforehand so as to have an idea of how breasts will appear after the procedure. It is then that one may discuss options that are available for correcting any anomaly. Patients will be more confident.
Breast conserving surgeries are also known as partial mastectomy. Parts of the breasts that are affected are removed. The size that is removed will depend on location and size of tumors plus various other factors. In the event that radiation therapy is to be given after the procedure, there is placement of small metal clips inside the breasts. These are used for marking areas for radiation treatments. The small metallic clips will always show in x-rays.
Lumpectomy involves getting rid of the tumors and the surrounding margins that have normal tissue. This procedure will be followed by radiation therapy. There however are times when chemotherapy needs to be given. In such instances, radiation gets delayed until chemotherapy is done with.
In quadrantectomy, more tissue is removed than is done in lumpectomy. One quarter of affected breasts are removed, which explains why it is called quadrantectomy. Radiation therapy is done after the procedure is completed. However, just like is the case in lumpectomy, if chemotherapy is to be done then radiation would have to be scheduled after that.
If in any case cancerous cells are present at edges of removed tissues, they will be known as positive margins. On the other hand, lack of these cells at the margins makes them be referred to as negative margins. Having positive margins implies that more cancerous cells are still present and the surgeon would have to remove more tissues in a process known as re-excision. In more serious cases, the margins cannot be cleared of the cells through removal of tissues. In such cases, more advanced procedures will be required, notably mastectomy.
The possible side effects of the entire procedure should be discussed with the surgeon well in advance. Some of the side effects include tenderness, temporary swelling, pain and hard scar tissue. Just like is the case with all surgical operations, bleeding and infections are big possibilities. One should be well aware of these effects before consenting to undergo treatment.
In the event that large portions of breasts are removed, their shape is bound to be considerably affected. This will make them look not only different but also unsymmetrical. This will call for reconstructive surgery. Alternatively, there are instances when unaffected breasts get reduced in size so that symmetry is achieved. Such reduction can be done during the first surgical procedure.
When considering breast surgery, it is essential to meet the doctor or plastic surgeon beforehand so as to have an idea of how breasts will appear after the procedure. It is then that one may discuss options that are available for correcting any anomaly. Patients will be more confident.
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