Mastectomy
DEFINITION
Mastectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the breast.
DESCRIPTION
Treatment of cancers of the breast usually involves surgery to
remove as much of the tumour (cancer) as possible. The patient will
have to decide whether to have the whole breast removed
(mastectomy) or just to have the tumour (cancer) and surrounding
tissue removed (breast-conserving surgery). Survival rates in the
first twenty years after surgery for mastectomy and
breast-conserving surgery with radiation appear to be
identical.
remove as much of the tumour (cancer) as possible. The patient will
have to decide whether to have the whole breast removed
(mastectomy) or just to have the tumour (cancer) and surrounding
tissue removed (breast-conserving surgery). Survival rates in the
first twenty years after surgery for mastectomy and
breast-conserving surgery with radiation appear to be
identical.
Mastectomy: A simple mastectomy involves the removal of all
the breast tissue. The underlying muscle is left intact and skin is
left to cover the wound. The breast can be reconstructed more
easily, since the chest muscles are left intact. A simple
mastectomy is used to treat invasive cancer that has spread within
the milk ducts, as this type of cancer will often recur (occur
again) if breast-conserving surgery is used. The lymph nodes in the
underarm may also be removed in order to check whether the cancer
cells have spread outside the breast. Radiation therapy is used
after the procedure to decrease the chance of cancer recurring on
the chest wall or in nearby lymph nodes. A radical mastectomy
involves the removal of all the breast tissue, the underlying chest
muscles and other tissues. Nearby lymp nodes or lymph node tissue
may be removed during a radical mastectomy. Chemotherapy or
hormone-blocking drugs may be given after (and sometimes before) a
radical mastectomy depending on the size of the tumour and if
cancerous cells were found in a lymph node. If chosen by the
patient, breast reconstruction can be performed at the same time as
the mastectomy or at a later date. Breast reconstruction involves
implanting a saline implant or using tissue taken from other parts
of the patient’s body to reconstruct the breast.
the breast tissue. The underlying muscle is left intact and skin is
left to cover the wound. The breast can be reconstructed more
easily, since the chest muscles are left intact. A simple
mastectomy is used to treat invasive cancer that has spread within
the milk ducts, as this type of cancer will often recur (occur
again) if breast-conserving surgery is used. The lymph nodes in the
underarm may also be removed in order to check whether the cancer
cells have spread outside the breast. Radiation therapy is used
after the procedure to decrease the chance of cancer recurring on
the chest wall or in nearby lymph nodes. A radical mastectomy
involves the removal of all the breast tissue, the underlying chest
muscles and other tissues. Nearby lymp nodes or lymph node tissue
may be removed during a radical mastectomy. Chemotherapy or
hormone-blocking drugs may be given after (and sometimes before) a
radical mastectomy depending on the size of the tumour and if
cancerous cells were found in a lymph node. If chosen by the
patient, breast reconstruction can be performed at the same time as
the mastectomy or at a later date. Breast reconstruction involves
implanting a saline implant or using tissue taken from other parts
of the patient’s body to reconstruct the breast.
DIET HINTS
See the Wound Healing Diet on the Healthpoint.
VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS
Always consult your Doctor for advice on dosages and
interactions before taking any vitamins, minerals or herbs.
interactions before taking any vitamins, minerals or herbs.
Some herbs are not recommended in the weeks before and after
surgery due to the direct effects they may have on the body and/or
the possibility that they may interact with other medications. You
should tell your Surgeon and/or Doctor well before surgery if you
are taking ANY supplements. The American Society of
anesthesiologists recommends that people stop taking herbal
medicines at least two to three weeks before surgery. Ask your
Surgeon and/or Doctor for advice.
surgery due to the direct effects they may have on the body and/or
the possibility that they may interact with other medications. You
should tell your Surgeon and/or Doctor well before surgery if you
are taking ANY supplements. The American Society of
anesthesiologists recommends that people stop taking herbal
medicines at least two to three weeks before surgery. Ask your
Surgeon and/or Doctor for advice.
POST OPERATIVE NOTES
- Your health practitioner will discuss suitable exercises for
you to do after the operation. These exercises will help you regain
motion and strength in the arm and shoulder areas and help reduce
pain and stiffness in the neck and back. - It is important to have regular follow-up examinations with
your Doctor after breast cancer treatment. These will usually
involve an examination of the breasts, chest, neck and underarm
areas and regular mammograms. - Continue monthly breast self examination and report any changes
in the breast to your Doctor. - Let your Doctor know if you experience any other physical
problems (e.g. pain, loss of appetite or weight, changes in
menstrual cycles, unusual vaginal bleeding, blurred vision,
headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, coughing or hoarseness,
backaches or digestive problems that seem unusual or that don’t go
away.
ORGANISATIONS & SUPPORT GROUPS
See the Australian Cancer Society topic on the
Healthpoint.
Healthpoint.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
- Follow the Diet Hints.
- If you need advice on any medication ask your Pharmacist.
- If you have any pain ask your Pharmacist for a suitable pain
medication. - If you need any wound dressings, ask your Pharmacist.
- If you need to stop smoking ask your Pharmacist for
suggestions. - After the operation and the stitches have been removed, break
open a capsule of vitamin E and apply the pure oil on to the scar.
Do this as often as you can. This may help to reduce the
scarring. - If the diet is inadequate consider some supplements.
- See the other Breast Cancer topics on the Healthpoint.