Breast Cancer Surgery

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the breast tissue. Most of the time, this cancer develops as a result of abnormal growth and proliferation of cells in the breast tissue. These cells can metastasize (spread) to bone, muscle or other tissues over time, and cancer can occur in other parts of the body. Breast cancer is curable when detected early. It is the most common type of cancer in women and affects millions of women worldwide each year. Breast cancer surgery, on the other hand, includes surgical procedures to remove cancer cells from the breast tissue of a person with breast cancer. It is important for stopping and treating the progression of cancer and is often used in conjunction with other treatment modalities.

In this article, the following points about breast cancer and surgery will be explained:

• What is breast cancer?
• How is the diagnosis of breast cancer made?
• What is breast cancer surgery?
• What are the risks of breast cancer surgery?

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer, which has a very high risk of being seen in women, can be seen in one of 8 women throughout life. It is difficult to say anything definite about the development process of this cancer. It can develop from anywhere. But one of the most common sources is ductal. Cancer can also occur in the glands that produce milk in women. Conditions such as smoking and alcohol use, obesity, and being a mother at a very late age are common reasons in the development history of cancer.

Breast cancer symptoms are often not very evident in the early stages of the disease. However, among the symptoms that occur as breast cancer progresses; Conditions such as hardening or enlargement of the breast tissue, irregular shape change of the breast tissue, redness of the breast tissue or cracks in the skin, a wound opened from the breast tissue, thinning or elevation of a part of the breast tissue can be seen.

How is breast cancer diagnosed?

The diagnosis of breast cancer is made by a physical examination by a doctor. The doctor will palpate the breast tissue or lymph nodes for any abnormal growth or hardening. If these findings are present, the doctor will usually perform a more detailed examination to confirm the diagnosis of breast cancer by performing a mammogram or other radiological examination. This diagnosis is made by combining the results of physical examination, radiological examinations and other tests such as biopsy by the doctor.

What is Breast Cancer Surgery?

Breast cancer surgery consists of treatment methods that involve the removal of the cancerous area. In this context, the treatment plan is made by doctors with both surgery and different methods. The process is carefully planned so that the tumor is removed from the body and not relapsed. The following surgical methods are used together with chemotherapy and radiotherapy in breast cancer surgery:

Mastectomy

Mastectomy is a type of surgical procedure. It is done to remove part or all of the breast tissue. However, mastectomy can be used not only in the treatment of breast cancer, but also in the treatment of other breast diseases. How this procedure is done may vary depending on the patient's condition and the doctor's advice. But in general it may include the following steps:

• 1. The patient undergoes some tests before the surgical procedure and the anesthesia option is selected. The patient is under general or local anesthesia.
• 2. The surgeon makes an incision to remove the breast tissue and completely or partially removes this tissue.
• 3. After removing the breast tissue, the remaining tissues on the bone are examined and these tissues are removed or left.
• 4. Then the doctor completes the procedure by stitching the incision.

Breast Conservation Surgery

Breast conserving surgery is a method used in the treatment of breast cancer. This method aims to preserve the patient's aesthetic appearance by preventing the removal of the patient's healthy breast tissue. It involves a very similar process to the mastectomy method. The only difference is that it aims to protect healthy tissue. Whether this surgery is suitable for the patient or not is decided after the controls.

What are the Risks of Breast Cancer Surgery?

Breast cancer surgery, like any surgical procedure, can involve some risks. These risks are usually not very serious and are tried to be avoided by doctors. Some risks that may occur during breast cancer surgery include:

• Bleeding: Bleeding may occur during the surgical procedure. This condition is usually controlled and treatable.
• Infection: Infection may occur during the surgical procedure. In this case, it is treated by doctors and the infection is brought under control.
• Injury: The breast tissue may be damaged during the surgical procedure. This condition is usually not very serious and can be treated.
• Deformation on the skin: There may be deformation on the skin after the surgical procedure. It continues in this way for a temporary period of time and its treatment is possible.
• Pain: There may be pain after the operation. This condition is controlled with painkillers.