BREAST SURGERY

Types of Surgery

BREAST SURGERY

Breast cancer:

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the cells of the breast. It is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide, but rarely it can also affect men. It is the most frequent type of cancer in Europe. 1 in every 10 women will develop a type of breast malignancy. Early detection and timely treatment are crucial for better outcomes and quality of life for those affected by breast cancer.

Risk factors:
  • Gender
  • Age
  • Family history and genetics
  • Lifestyle factors
  • Reproductive history
  • Hormone-related
  • Obesity
 
Symptoms of breast cancer:
  • Lump or mass in the breast tissue or underarm area. These lumps may feel hard, immovable, and painless, though some may be tender or painful.
  • Changes in the appearance or position of the nipple, such as inversion (turning inward)
  • Changes in breast size or shape
  • Nipple discharge
  • Changes in the texture of the skin on or around the breast, such as dimpling, puckering, or thickening

 

Diagnosis of breast cancer:
  • Clinical breast exam for any lumps or abnormalities.
  • Mammogram
  • Ultrasound
  • MRI
 

Women aged 40 and older should have regular mammograms to screen for breast cancer. Mammograms can help detect breast cancer in its early stages when treatment is often more effective.

If a mammogram shows findings that are suspicious for malignancy, a biopsy is usually recommended to obtain a tissue sample for further examination. A biopsy is the definitive way to diagnose breast cancer and determine its type and characteristics.

The choice of biopsy method depends on various factors such as the size and location of the suspicious area.There are different types of biopsies, including :

  • Stereotactic biopsy
  • Core needle biopsy
  • Fine needle aspiration
 
Treatment

Treatment plans are often personalized based on the specific characteristics of the cancer and the individual's overall health and preferences.

Multidisciplinary teams, including oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and other specialists, collaborate to develop the most effective treatment approach for each patient. Additionally, supportive care such as counseling, physical therapy, and medications to manage side effects is often an integral part of breast cancer treatment.

Treatment for breast cancer can vary depending on factors such as the stage of the cancer, the type of breast cancer, its aggressiveness, and the individual's overall health and preferences.

Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment is a key component in the management of breast cancer.

The type of surgery recommended depends on factors such as the size and location of the tumor, whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, the individual's overall health, and personal preferences. Common surgical options for breast cancer include:

  • Wide locacl excision:only the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue are removed, preserving the rest of the breast. This approach is typically used for early-stage breast cancer when the tumor is small relative to the size of the breast.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: involves removing a few sentinel lymph nodes (the first lymph nodes that cancer is likely to spread to from the tumor) to check for the presence of cancer cells.

  • Modified Radical Mastectomy: Removes the entire breast tissue and some of the lymph nodes under the arm (axillary lymph nodes).