Breast cancer is a cancer of the breast tissue. It arises from the uncontrollable cell growth of cells in the breast.
Treatment for breast cancer depends on several factors, i.e., stage and grade of the cancer, patient’s general health, menopausal status, and personal preferences.
Surgery is frequently the first line of treatment for breast cancer, with the type of procedure determined by the cancer's characteristics.
Types of breast cancer surgery
Surgical procedures for breast cancer include mastectomy, lumpectomy, and reconstructive surgery.
A mastectomy involves the complete removal of one or both breasts. Certain types of mastectomies also include the removal of other affected chest wall tissues.
A lumpectomy, or breast-conserving surgery, removes a tumour or “lump” and some tissues surrounding the breast. This is often considered for early-stage breast cancer.
Reconstructive breast surgery restores breast shape after a mastectomy, using implants, tissue from another part of the body, or both.
Post-surgery, additional treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormone or targeted therapies may be recommended to address any remaining cancer cells.
Potential risks and complications
Like any surgery, there are potential risks and complications associated with breast cancer surgery, though most are minor.
Bleeding and infection are the mostcommon risks, but measures are taken during surgery to minimise these risks. Swelling and bruising around the surgical site are normal and usually resolve over time.
Scarring can occur depending on the type of surgery, but your surgeon will do his/her best to minimise it, though some scarring is inevitable.
If there is fluid accumulation at the surgical site that forms a seroma, drainage may be required.
There is also a small risk of developing blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism).
Specific side effects may also occur. After breast surgery, shoulder stiffness, weakness, and reduced range of motion in the shoulder and arm are common and may last a few weeks.
Those who had surgery on their axillary lymph nodes might develop axillary web syndrome, also known as cording.
Duration of breast cancer surgery
The length of breast cancer surgery varies based on several factors, including the type of surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), the extent of cancer, and any additional procedures required. Generally, the surgery can last from one to several hours.
Preparation for breast cancer surgery
After a breast cancer diagnosis, doctors will schedule a meeting with patients to discuss surgical options.
It is advisable to stop smoking, as smoking can reduce blood supply to body tissue, potentially leading to complications and increasing the risk of infection post-surgery.
Maintaining a healthy weight is important, as being overweight can increase the risk of complications from anaesthesia and affect surgical outcomes.
Staying physically active before surgery can help strengthen the muscles involved.
Recovery time
Post-operative care after breast cancer surgery varies depending on the type of surgery. Many patients can undergo breast surgery as a day-case procedure, allowing them to go home on the same day or the following day.
However, if breast reconstruction is performed simultaneously, the hospital stay may be longer, typically ranging from two to seven days.
After breast cancer surgery, patients may experience soreness and limited movement in the chest and arms for two to three weeks.
Fatigue can persist for some time, and it might take several weeks to fully recover normal energy levels. Typically, most individuals can resume normal activities after about a month
Make an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals
If you have questions about breast cancer surgery, get in touch with us to book an appointment today for a consultation, or visit our Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at your nearest Gleneagles Hospital.
