Overview

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow abnormally and is one of the most common types of cancer in women. When diagnosed early, treatment options are very effective. One of the most common methods of breast cancer treatment is surgery. Surgery aims to remove cancerous tissue and prevent the disease from spreading. Breast cancer surgery can be performed in different ways depending on the stage of the cancer, its spread, and the size of the tumor.

When is Breast Cancer Surgery Necessary?

Breast cancer surgery is usually performed in the following situations:

Early Stage Breast Cancer: When the tumor is small and has not spread, surgery is usually done to completely remove the cancer.

Advanced Breast Cancer: If the cancer is advanced and removal from the breast is possible, surgery may be part of the treatment plan.

Risk Reduction: People at high risk of breast cancer may have prophylactic surgery (preventive mastectomy) to reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Types of Breast Cancer Surgery

The main methods used in the surgical treatment of breast cancer are:

Lumpectomy (Breast Conserving Surgery): In this procedure, only the cancerous tissue and a small amount of healthy tissue around it are removed. The rest of the breast is preserved. Lumpectomy is usually performed on small tumors and early-stage breast cancers. Treatment may be supported by radiation therapy after surgery.

Mastectomy (Complete Breast Removal): Mastectomy is the removal of the entire breast. If the tumor is large or if there is cancer in more than one area, mastectomy is preferred. Types of mastectomy include simple mastectomy (the entire breast is removed) and radical mastectomy (the breast is removed along with the armpit lymph nodes and some of the muscles).

Modified Radical Mastectomy: This is a surgical procedure that involves removing the entire breast as well as the lymph nodes under the armpit. It is preferred when there is a risk of cancer spreading to the lymph nodes.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: This is a procedure done to check if breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. During surgery, the sentinel (first affected) lymph node is removed and a biopsy is performed.

Reconstructive Surgery (Breast Repair): This is the process of rebuilding breast tissue after a mastectomy. Breast repair can be done using implants or the patient's own tissue. This procedure can be done at the same time as a mastectomy or at a later stage.

Surgical Process and Recovery

Breast cancer surgery takes varying amounts of time, depending on the stage of the cancer and the type of surgery performed. Patients usually stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery. Recovery time varies depending on the extent of the surgery.

Healing Process: There may be pain, swelling and bruising in the area after surgery. After surgery, patients should limit their physical activity during the healing process. If lymph nodes have been removed, it is important to protect the arm from the risk of lymphedema (swelling).

Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy: Radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be administered after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

Possible Complications

Although breast cancer surgery is generally a safe procedure, it does carry some risks:

Infection: There may be a risk of infection in the surgical area.

Bleeding and Hematoma: Bleeding or hematoma may occur after surgery.

Lymphedema: When lymph nodes are removed, swelling in the arm may occur.

Scar Formation: Scars may remain after surgery, but they can be minimized with the help of plastic surgery.

Post-Operative Follow-Up

Regular follow-up after breast cancer surgery is an important part of the treatment process. Imaging tests such as mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs are performed regularly to monitor the risk of cancer recurrence. In addition, the patient's general health and psychological state are monitored.

Conclusion

Breast cancer surgery is one of the most effective treatment methods for controlling the disease. Surgical interventions performed by experienced surgeons such as Op. Dr. Çağlar Ertekin aim to improve the quality of life of patients and completely eliminate cancer. Post-surgical follow-up and supportive treatments play a critical role in maintaining the long-term health of patients. Early diagnosis and correct treatment allow patients with breast cancer to live a healthy life.