Saturday 18 January 2014

Vital Considerations When Undergoing Breast Surgery

By Marissa Velazquez


More often than not, breast surgery is done so that cancer does not recur. The tumors are removed so that they do not reappear or spread to other body parts. Factors such as tumor location, its node status and grade are considered when going for the surgical operation. There are various procedures that can be used in the surgical operation. Of these, there are three main ones; lumpectomy, mastectomy and quadrantectomy. The procedure chosen will depend on severity of the situation.

The least invasive of these procedures is lumpectomy that is classified as partial mastectomy. This classification is so because there is removal of some breast sections. There are slight changes to breasts with this procedure because fewer tissues are removed and scars left are small. It is also referred to as wide local excision. The main aim is to remove tumors and a little amount of tissue. It is very important that the surgeon find where the tumor is located and the small tissue margins that surround it.

The hands are used to feel the lump. This is further enhanced through the use of information gotten from the mammogram or ultrasound report of the patient. When the lumps have been removed, there is placement of a radiation catheter device into the lumpectomy cavity. The catheter allows the radiologist to perform branch therapy that is a technique of radiation delivered within the breasts.

Quadrantectomy is also a partial mastectomy and involves removing much more tissue than is done in lumpectomy. During the procedure, breasts are left intact, with one quarter of them removed after that. The tumor is removed with around 3 centimeters of tissue around it. This offers surety that the infection is not left on the tissues. In addition, skin and muscles that are lying around is also gotten rid of.

It is also important that lymph nodes close to the tumors are removed and tested for cancer. For faster healing after surgery, surgical drain is used. There is every possibility that shape and size of breasts will be changed. As a result, padding can be used around bras for enhancement of the way breasts appear. There is also the option of doing remodeling using plastic surgery. This is done before the patient begins any form of treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation.

The oldest of these procedures is mastectomy in which the entire organ is removed. The muscles and skin in the surrounding are also removed. There are various degrees of the procedures. In a simple or total mastectomy, there usually is entire removal of all tissues and the skin, plus the areola and nipples. Lymph nodes and muscles also get tested.

In the case of modified radical mastectomy, the areola and nipples are removed with most skin as well. Lymph nodes and breast tissues are also removed. For radical mastectomy however, there normally is full removal of tissues, skin, areola and nipples. Testing of lymph nodes for cancerous cells is done.

Breast surgery requires that one gets a good surgeon. One way to find experienced and knowledgeable experts is to seek for recommendations from friends, relatives or even the family doctor. Such professionals should have a good reputation and excellent listening skills.




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