It is essential to know that there are different types of breast cancer surgeries available and that the best option for you will depend on some factors. Your doctor can advise you on which surgery is right for you based on the stage and grade of your cancer and your overall health.
What is breast cancer surgery?
Breast cancer surgery is a treatment for breast cancer. The type of surgery you have will depend on the stage and grade of your cancer and your overall health.
The most common types of cancer causing surgery include:
1-Lumpectomy, also known as breast-conserving surgery
This involves removing the cancerous tumor from the breast and a small margin of healthy tissue around it. A lumpectomy may be followed by radiation therapy to reduce cancer risk. If the cancer is larger, or if there are multiple tumors in the breast, a larger section of tissue may need to be removed. This is called a partial mastectomy.
2-Mastectomy
This is the removal of the entire breast. A mastectomy may be recommended if the cancer is large, has spread to surrounding tissues, or if you have a strong family history of breast cancer. Some women opt for a double mastectomy, which involves removing both breasts, even if only one has cancer. This is sometimes done as a preventive measure for women at high risk for developing breast cancer.
3- Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB)
This procedure checks if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. A small number of lymph nodes are removed and checked for cancer cells. If they are clear, it is unlikely that cancer has spread further, and no more surgery is needed. If cancer cells are found in the lymph nodes, additional surgery may be necessary to remove more lymph nodes.
4-Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND)
This removes a larger number of lymph nodes from under the arm. It may be recommended if cancer cells are found in the sentinel lymph nodes during a sentinel lymph node biopsy.
5-Skin-sparing mastectomy
This is a type of mastectomy that removes the minimum amount of skin possible. It may be an option for women planning to have breast reconstruction surgery.
What are the benefits of breast cancer surgery?
It can remove the cancerous tumor from the breast
The cancerous tumor is the main mass of cancer cells in the breast. By removing it, there is a lower risk of cancer coming back.
It can prevent cancer from spreading
Breast cancer surgery can remove lymph nodes that may contain cancer cells. This helps prevent cancer from spreading to other body parts.
It can improve the chances of survival
The earlier breast cancer is detected and treated, the higher the chances of survival. Breast cancer surgery can help to increase the chances of survival, especially when combined with other treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
In conclusion, breast cancer surgery is an essential treatment for breast cancer. It can remove the cancerous tumor, prevent cancer from spreading, and improve the chances of survival. Your doctor can advise you on which type of surgery is right for you based on the stage and grade of your cancer and overall health.
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