Breast Cancer Surgery
Breast cancer surgery involves the removal of cancerous tissue from the breast. It is often one of the primary treatment options recommended by oncologists, particularly in the early stages of breast cancer. Our experienced team of surgeons specializes in various surgical techniques to address different types and stages of breast cancer.
What types of Surgery we offer?
There are two primary surgical approaches employed in the treatment of breast cancer: mastectomy and lumpectomy. Mastectomy involves the complete removal of the breast tissue, while lumpectomy focuses on removing the tumor and a portion of surrounding healthy tissue. These procedures are considered the mainstays of surgical treatment for breast cancer.
There is also available other options for breast cancer surgery such as lymph node dissection and Breast reconstruction surgery
Mastectomy
Mastectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the entire breast tissue affected by cancer. Mastectomy is a critical aspect of breast cancer treatment and is often accompanied by additional treatments such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy.
Types of mastectomy procedures include
Total (Simple) mastectomy
This procedure involves the removal of the entire breast, including the nipple and areola.
Double mastectomy
Removal of both breasts. This may be necessary if the cancer has already spread to both breasts, or it may be a preventative measure.
Skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomy
Removal of all your breast tissue, but sparing your skin and, if possible, your nipple, to use to reconstruct your breast.
Modified radical mastectomy
Removal of your breast tissue and your underarm lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are often the first place that breast cancer spreads to.
Radical mastectomy
Removal of your breasts, underarm lymph nodes and chest muscles. This is a rare surgery, only necessary when breast cancer has infiltrated your chest muscles.
Benefits of Mastectomy
Risk Reduction
Mastectomy significantly reduces the risk of cancer recurrence in the affected breast, providing peace of mind and improved long-term survival rates.
Customizable Reconstruction
With advances in reconstructive surgery techniques, mastectomy opens up options for breast reconstruction, allowing patients to regain their self-esteem and body confidence.
Precise Staging
Mastectomy facilitates accurate staging of cancer by examining the lymph nodes, aiding in determining the appropriate adjuvant therapies.
Lumpectomy
Lumpectomy, also known as breast-conserving surgery or partial mastectomy, is a surgical procedure performed to treat breast cancer. It is a less invasive alternative to mastectomy, aimed at removing the tumor while preserving the majority of the breast tissue.
Types of Lumpectomy procedures include
Excisional biopsy
During an excisional biopsy, the surgeon removes the entire suspicious area along with a margin of normal tissue surrounding it. The excised tissue is then sent to a pathology laboratory for examination under a microscope. The pathologist analyzes the tissue sample to determine the presence of cancer cells, their characteristics, and other important information that aids in the diagnosis and treatment planning.
Wide local excision
During a wide local excision, the surgeon makes an incision over the area of the tumor or abnormal tissue. The size and location of the incision may vary depending on the specific case. The surgeon then carefully removes the tumor or abnormal tissue along with a rim of normal tissue surrounding it.
Quadrantectomy
During a quadrantectomy, the surgeon removes the tumor along with a significant portion of the breast tissue surrounding it. The specific quadrant being removed is determined based on the tumor's location within the breast. The procedure aims to achieve negative surgical margins, ensuring that no cancer cells are present at the edges of the excised tissue.
Re-excision lumpectomy
During a re-excision lumpectomy, the surgeon removes an additional amount of tissue surrounding the initial surgical site to obtain clear margins. This second surgery aims to ensure that no cancer cells remain in the breast tissue, reducing the risk of local recurrence. The amount of additional tissue removed depends on the individual case and can vary from a small margin to a more significant volume.
Benefits of Lumpectomy
Breast preservation
Lumpectomy aims to remove the tumor while preserving the majority of the breast tissue, allowing for better body image and self-esteem.
Comparable survival rates
Studies show that lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy has comparable survival rates to mastectomy, ensuring similar long-term outcomes.
Shorter recovery time
Lumpectomy is less extensive than mastectomy, resulting in a shorter recovery period with less discomfort and pain.
Lower risk of complications
Lumpectomy carries a lower risk of complications compared to more invasive surgeries, with manageable risks typically associated with radiation therapy.
Improved cosmetic outcomes
Lumpectomy, when performed by an experienced surgeon, aims to preserve the natural shape and appearance of the breast, leading to better cosmetic results.
Lymph node dissection
Lymph node dissection, also known as lymphadenectomy, is a surgical procedure performed to remove and examine lymph nodes in the body. It is commonly associated with the treatment and staging of various types of cancer, including breast cancer, melanoma, and certain types of gastrointestinal cancers.
Lymph node procedures includes
Sentinel lymph node biopsy
Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a surgical procedure performed to determine whether breast cancer has spread to the nearby lymph nodes. The sentinel lymph nodes are the first few lymph nodes into which cancer cells are most likely to spread from the primary tumor.
Axillary lymph node dissection
Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is a surgical procedure in which multiple lymph nodes in the armpit (axilla) are surgically removed. ALND is typically performed when breast cancer has been found to have spread to the lymph nodes through SLNB or other diagnostic tests.
Benefits of Lymph node dissection
Staging and Treatment Planning
Lymph node dissection helps in determining the stage of cancer and provides critical information about the extent of cancer spread. By analyzing the removed lymph nodes, healthcare professionals can assess the presence or absence of cancer cells in the lymphatic system, aiding in treatment planning and decision-making. This information is valuable in determining the need for further treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Accurate Cancer Diagnosis
Lymph node dissection allows for a more accurate diagnosis of cancer. By examining the lymph nodes, pathologists can identify cancer cells and assess their characteristics, such as the type of cancer and its aggressiveness. This information is crucial for determining the most appropriate treatment approach and prognosis.
Removal of Affected Lymph Nodes
In cases where cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, removing the affected lymph nodes through lymph node dissection helps in achieving local control of the disease. By removing the cancerous lymph nodes, the risk of further spread of cancer cells is reduced, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
Evaluation of Treatment Response
Lymph node dissection can also be performed after the completion of cancer treatment to assess treatment response. By examining the lymph nodes removed during the procedure, healthcare professionals can determine the effectiveness of the treatment and make adjustments if necessary.
Research and Clinical Trials
Lymph node dissection provides valuable tissue samples for research purposes and clinical trials. Studying the characteristics of cancer cells in the lymph nodes helps researchers gain insights into the biology of cancer and develop new treatment strategies. It also allows for the evaluation of potential biomarkers and targeted therapies.
Reconstructive Breast Surgery
Reconstructive breast surgery is a surgical procedure performed to rebuild the shape and appearance of the breast after a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or other breast-related surgeries. This type of surgery aims to restore a sense of wholeness, enhance body image, and improve psychological well-being for individuals who have undergone breast cancer treatment or experienced trauma or congenital abnormalities affecting the breast.
There are several options available for reconstructive breast surgery, and the most suitable technique depends on various factors, including the patient’s overall health, body shape, breast size, and personal preferences.
Reconstructive breast surgery procedures include
Implant-based Reconstruction
This technique involves the use of silicone or saline breast implants to recreate the breast mound. Implant-based reconstruction may require multiple surgeries to achieve the desired results, including tissue expansion to gradually stretch the skin and create space for the implant.
Autologous Tissue Reconstruction
Also known as flap reconstruction, this approach uses the patient's own tissue from other areas of the body, such as the abdomen, back, or buttocks, to rebuild the breast. Flap reconstruction can be performed using different techniques, such as the TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis muscle) flap or the DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) flap. This method provides a more natural-looking and feeling breast but involves a more extensive surgical procedure.
Combination Reconstruction
In some cases, a combination of implant-based and autologous tissue reconstruction techniques may be used to achieve the desired breast shape and volume. This approach allows for a more customized reconstruction that addresses the specific needs and preferences of the patient
Benefits of Reconstructive breast surgery
Restored Body Image
Reconstructive breast surgery helps restore the shape and appearance of the breast, which can greatly enhance body image and self-esteem. It allows individuals to regain a sense of wholeness and feel more comfortable with their physical appearance after breast surgery.
Psychological Well-being
The loss or alteration of the breast can have a significant emotional impact on individuals. Reconstructive breast surgery can help improve psychological well-being by addressing the visible reminder of the past trauma or cancer treatment. Restoring the breast can contribute to a positive body image and improve overall quality of life.
Enhanced Clothing Fit
Reconstructive breast surgery can improve the fit of clothing, allowing individuals to wear a wider range of clothing styles without concerns about unevenness or the need for external prostheses. This can positively impact self-confidence and the ability to engage in social and professional activities.
Symmetry and Balance
Reconstructive breast surgery aims to achieve symmetry and balance between the reconstructed breast and the remaining natural breast. This symmetry can help individuals feel more comfortable and confident with their appearance, as well as improve overall body proportion.
