Women that suffer from breast cancer normally have tumors within both or one breast. Breast surgery is the procedure that can be used to remove such tumors and thus prevent further growth. A number of options of treatment are available, for instance mastectomy and breast-conserving surgeries. The option of reconstruction can be considered during or after treatment is done with. During the surgical operation also, lymph nodes under the arms are checked to ensure there is no spread of cancerous cells to them. Two procedures are used to do this checking; axillary lymph dissection and sentinel lymph node biopsy.
Surgeries for breast conservation are also known as partial mastectomy. It involves getting rid of parts of breasts that have cancerous cells. The size of portions removed will be dependent on size and location of the tumors. There are instances when radiation therapy would have to be given after surgical operation, in which case surgeons will place small metallic chips within the breasts. The function of these is to mark areas that will undergo treatments through radiation. The chips will show in x-rays.
Lumpectomy involves getting rid of the tumors and the surrounding margins that have normal tissue. This procedure will be followed by radiation therapy. There however are times when chemotherapy needs to be given. In such instances, radiation gets delayed until chemotherapy is done with.
In quadrantectomy, more tissue is removed than is done in lumpectomy. One quarter of affected breasts are removed, which explains why it is called quadrantectomy. Radiation therapy is done after the procedure is completed. However, just like is the case in lumpectomy, if chemotherapy is to be done then radiation would have to be scheduled after that.
If cancerous cells are present at tissue edges of the removed sections, these are said to have positive margins. Conversely, if no such cells are present then these margins are said to be clear. The presence of positive margins will require that more tissues are removed because it would mean there still are cancerous cells left. This is done in a procedure that is preferred to as re-excision. In case such margins are unable to be properly cleared through removal of tissues, then more advanced procedures come into play. The most used procedure in such cases is mastectomy.
Discussion of the possible side effects with the surgeon or doctor beforehand is highly recommended. The side effects that can be experienced include tenderness, pain, temporary swelling and development of hard scar tissues. Bleeding is also a possibility, just like is the case with any surgical procedure. These should be known before going for the procedure.
Change in shape of breasts is a big possibility in the case that large portions of breasts are removed. This will require that the patient goes for reconstructive surgery. The unaffected breasts can also undergo reduction in size so that symmetry is achieved. The reduction in size can be done in the course of the initial procedure.
It is important to talk to the doctor or better still a plastic surgeon before breast surgery in order to know what breasts will look like afterwards. It is also at this time that they may discuss options of dealing with the same. This makes patients approach the procedure with more courage and confidence.
Surgeries for breast conservation are also known as partial mastectomy. It involves getting rid of parts of breasts that have cancerous cells. The size of portions removed will be dependent on size and location of the tumors. There are instances when radiation therapy would have to be given after surgical operation, in which case surgeons will place small metallic chips within the breasts. The function of these is to mark areas that will undergo treatments through radiation. The chips will show in x-rays.
Lumpectomy involves getting rid of the tumors and the surrounding margins that have normal tissue. This procedure will be followed by radiation therapy. There however are times when chemotherapy needs to be given. In such instances, radiation gets delayed until chemotherapy is done with.
In quadrantectomy, more tissue is removed than is done in lumpectomy. One quarter of affected breasts are removed, which explains why it is called quadrantectomy. Radiation therapy is done after the procedure is completed. However, just like is the case in lumpectomy, if chemotherapy is to be done then radiation would have to be scheduled after that.
If cancerous cells are present at tissue edges of the removed sections, these are said to have positive margins. Conversely, if no such cells are present then these margins are said to be clear. The presence of positive margins will require that more tissues are removed because it would mean there still are cancerous cells left. This is done in a procedure that is preferred to as re-excision. In case such margins are unable to be properly cleared through removal of tissues, then more advanced procedures come into play. The most used procedure in such cases is mastectomy.
Discussion of the possible side effects with the surgeon or doctor beforehand is highly recommended. The side effects that can be experienced include tenderness, pain, temporary swelling and development of hard scar tissues. Bleeding is also a possibility, just like is the case with any surgical procedure. These should be known before going for the procedure.
Change in shape of breasts is a big possibility in the case that large portions of breasts are removed. This will require that the patient goes for reconstructive surgery. The unaffected breasts can also undergo reduction in size so that symmetry is achieved. The reduction in size can be done in the course of the initial procedure.
It is important to talk to the doctor or better still a plastic surgeon before breast surgery in order to know what breasts will look like afterwards. It is also at this time that they may discuss options of dealing with the same. This makes patients approach the procedure with more courage and confidence.
About the Author:
You can visit plasticsurgeryak.com for more helpful information about Important Details About Breast Surgery.
No comments:
Post a Comment