Mastectomy is a surgical procedure for the removal of both breasts that, most of the time, is indicated in people diagnosed with cancer. This procedure can be partial, as only part of the tissue is removed; when the radical breast is completely removed when, in addition to the breast, nearby muscles and tissues that may have been affected by the tumor are removed.
In addition, mastectomy may also be preventive to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer at the aesthetic level, if the surgery is for breast masculinization, for example.
- Depending on the goal you want to achieve with breast removal.
- The mastologist is the plastic surgeon – as the case may be – the type of surgery to perform.
- The main types are:.
Partial mastectomy, also called a breast-preserving quadrantectomy surgery, is surgery to remove a nodule from the benign tumor and some of the surrounding tissue, without the need to completely remove the breast, it is also possible that during this surgery some lymph nodes have been removed surrounding the breast to obtain a biopsy to avoid the risk of nodules formation.
In total mastectomy if the mammary glands, in addition to the skin, areola and skin, are completely removed, it is indicated in cases of small tumors discovered early and very well located, even if they have developed in the surrounding areas.
In this case, it is also possible to remove the lymph node from the area below the bone to reduce the risk of tumor spread and not remove the muscles located in the breast.
In radical mastectomy in addition to the removal of breast tissue, removal of the chest wall muscles located under the breast and nodes of the axillary region is indicated in case of cancer at risk of spread.
There are variants of this surgery known as Patey’s modified radial mastectomy, in which the major pectoral muscle remains, Madden’s modified radical mastectomy that is preserved in both the major and minor pectoral muscles.
Preventive mastectomy is done to prevent the development of cancer, which is only suitable for women at very high risk of the disease, such as those with a significant family history who have genetic changes that can cause breast cancer called BRCA1 and BRCA2. the genetic problem to know the risk of breast cancer.
This surgery is performed similarly to total mastectomy, with the radical removal of the breast, nearby nodes and in some cases of the surrounding muscles, this surgery is usually performed on both breasts, since in these cases the risk of developing cancer is similar in both breasts.
Mastectomy and breast masculinization is a type of plastic surgery that aims to give a masculine appearance to the woman’s chest, since in this surgery the breasts are removed by the technique decided by the plastic surgeon, which will depend on the size and type of the breast of each woman.
In rare cases, a mastectomy may also be performed in cases of breast cancer in men, in this situation surgery is performed in the same way as in women, although the man has many fewer glands.
There are also cosmetic surgeries known as mammoplasty, which are performed with the aim of increasing, reducing or improving the appearance of the sinuses. Learn more about plastic sinus surgery.
Breast removal surgery is an operation that lasts between 60 and 90 minutes under general epidural anesthesia.
Recovery after the procedure is rapid, it may take 1 to 2 days of hospitalization, depending on the type of surgery and whether it is bilateral or unilateral.
Your doctor may leave a drain so that the secret produced during the first few days after the procedure must be properly stored in your clothing to prevent it from accidentally moving. This drainage should be vaccinated about 2 times a day, so it is important to note the amount of fluid that has been drained and the color has been removed to inform your doctor of any changes during the post-surgical consultation.
Besides that, some recommendations to follow
In surgeries in which the lymph nodes are removed, the circulation of the arm may be compromised and may cause more sensitivity, and it is important to protect it from inheritance, burns and prevent excessive damage.
Due to the extensive physiotherapy procedure, it will help improve body movement, circulation and decrease contractures caused by healing.
Due to the realization of any type of mastectomy, breast reconstruction surgery may be necessary to recover the natural shape of the sinuses, this surgery can be performed immediately after mastectomy or in stages, gradually correcting the area. In many cases of breast cancer, it is necessary to wait a while until the breast is fully healed, the doctor will be able to indicate its realization, even if it is verified, by tests, that there is no presence of malignant cells.
Mastectomy may be performed when
Therefore, it is important for a woman to consult the gynecologist once a year in order to prevent the appearance of symptoms that may indicate the presence of a breast tumor, such as the presence of a lump, strengthening the discharge ointment through the nipples. Recognizes the main symptoms of breast cancer.