mastectomy
Mastectomy or removal of breasts is one of the options in breast cancer treatment. During the surgery one or both of the breasts are removed and often followed by radiation or chemotherapy.
As breasts are easily approachable for surgery, surgical intervention is frequently used. Depending on the nature and development of the cancer and the overall health condition and preferences of the patient, the surgery can be either breast-conserving or involve a full mastectomy- the total removal of the breast.
During or after the breast removal surgery the breast can be reconstructed.
Surgery at Christinas Clinic
There are different types of mastectomy depending on the patientβs needs.
1) Partial mastectomy
In the case of partial mastectomy, the tumor is removed from the breast along with the surrounding soft tissue, but the breast is preserved. During the stay in the clinic, special tubes are left in the breast to avoid collection of excess bodily fluids.
Partial mastectomy is a solution for women whose tumor is small, who have enough breast tissue and who have not received previous breast cancer treatment for the same breast. The aesthetic results of the surgery are excellent.
2) Skin-sparing mastectomy
The whole breast is removed, but the nipple and the areola are preserved. During the stay at the clinic, special tubes are left in the breast to avoid collection of excess bodily fluids.
Compared to other techniques the skin-sparing mastectomy preserves more breast tissue and hence the risk of cancer returning remains. That is why this technique is rarely used.
3) Total mastectomy
The entire breast, including the nipple and the areola is removed. Lymph nodes of the breast are removed, but underarm lymph nodes are left intact. Also the pectoral major muscle is preserved. During the stay in the clinic special tubes are left in the breast to avoid collection of excess bodily fluids.
4) Modified radical mastectomy
The entire breast, including the nipple and the areola is removed. Lymph nodes of the breast and underarm are also removed, but the pectoral muscle is left intact. During the stay in the clinic special tubes are left in the breast to avoid collection of excess bodily fluids.
5) Radical mastectomy
Radical mastectomy is the most extensive surgery. The entire breast, including the nipple and the areola is removed. Underarm lymph nodes are also removed, along with the pectoral major muscle. During the stay in the clinic special tubes are left in the body to avoid collection of excess bodily fluids.
The surgery is rarely done and often the less invasive modified radical mastectomy is preferred.
6) Preventive mastectomy
It is also possible to carry out preventive mastectomy, which mitigates the risks of contracting breast cancer.
This surgery is performed on women with a high risk of developing breast cancer or who have previously had breast cancer. During the surgery the breast shape and size can also be reconstructed with an implant.
