Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that affects women around the world. The choice of surgery depends on breast cancer, and there are a variety of techniques based on the stage, type, and location of the tumor. Surgery choice depends on several factors, including tumor size, lymph node involvement, and the patient’s personal preferences. The following table describes some of the available breast cancer surgeries.
Fibroadenomas are benign breast tumors that often occur in young women. It’s not like cancer, but in large cases, surgical removal may be required. It can cause discomfort or cause abnormal changes. Fibroadenoma excision involves small incisions to remove lumps while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible.The procedure is generally straightforward, with minimal scarring and a short recovery period.
Breast-conserving surgery (BCS), also known as a lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, aims to remove cancer tumors except for most of the breast tissue. Radiotherapy is often performed after this procedure to ensure no remaining cancer cells. BCS is recommended in the early stages of breast cancer and offers the advantage of maintaining the natural shape and appearance of the breast. The targeted decision for BCS depends on the size, location, and personal preference of the tumor.
For small, non-palpable breast lesions detected during mammograms or ultrasound, wire-localized excision is used. Before surgery, thin wires are placed in the breast under imaging to mark the exact location of the lesion. During surgery, the surgeon follows this wire to precisely remove abnormal tissue. This technique is an effective method for diagnosing and treating suspected breast lesions by ensuring accurate resection and minimizing unnecessary removal of healthy tissue at the same time.
A mastectomy involves removing one or both breasts to treat or prevent breast cancer. The type of mastectomy depends on the level of cancer involvement.
Reconstructive surgery can be performed immediately or later to restore breast shape. Breast reconstruction can involve implants or autologous tissue transfer, and the skin and fat are used by other parts of the body to create a natural breast contour.
Lymph nodes play an important role in the spread of breast cancer. A sentinel lymph node biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure that assesses whether the cancer is spreading beyond the chest. A special dye or radioactive tracer is injected near the tumor to identify the first lymph node (sentinel node) that drains the affected area. These nodes are removed and analyzed. If there is no cancer, further removal of lymph nodes is not necessary. This reduces the risk of complications such as lymphedema.
These nodes are removed and analyzed, combining cancer removal and plastic surgery techniques to obtain breast appearance. This approach ensures maintenance or even improvement of oncological safety and breast aesthetics. Depending on the tumor size and breast shape, various tumorigenic techniques are used, such as volume displacement (rearranging existing breast tissue) and volume exchange (including fabrics from different parts of the body). Breast tumorigenesis is particularly advantageous for women who undergo breast conservation surgery and are able to achieve both effective cancer treatment and natural breast shape.
Recovery after breast cancer surgery depends on the type of procedure performed. Most patients experience mild to moderate pain, swelling, and bruising, which gradually subside over time. Postoperative care includes:
Patients undergoing mastectomy with reconstruction may require additional recovery time, and physical therapy may be recommended to restore mobility and strength.
The decision regarding breast cancer surgery requires thorough discussion with the oncologist and surgical team. Factors to consider include the cancer stage, overall health, genetic predisposition, and personal preference regarding breast preservation. The interdisciplinary
