Depending on the severity of the cancer, surgical procedures may be combined with radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Discuss with your doctor whether a mastectomy is the right solution for you. It is important to discuss what you expect to happen after running the operation. Sometimes, advanced therapy will be more difficult for some women, compared with the procedure itself.
Types of mastectomy
Mastectomy is a breast removal procedure. There are 5 different categories in the mastectomy, namely:- Traditional
- Radical modification
- Radical
- Partial (partial)
- Subcutaneous
The type of procedure you will run is determined by several factors. The size of the tumor and the spread of cancer is one of the important determinants. So does your age and health condition. In addition, some patients have a strong special reason for choosing a particular type of procedure. It is important to always discuss about your choice with your doctor.
Traditional mastectomy is commonly referred to as a total mastectomy. In this procedure, only the breasts will be removed. Axillary lymph nodes - located under the armpits - will still be allowed. Only the clear glands in the breast tissue will be removed. Breast support muscles located under the breast will be left.
Radical modification involves removal of the breast and axillary lymph nodes. Breast support muscles located under the breast will be left.
Radical mastectomy is the most recent alternative. The entire breast will be removed in this procedure. Similarly, with lymph nodes and chest wall muscles. This procedure can change body shape and is very rarely used. Radical mastectomy has been replaced with radical modification as an alternative treatment for breast cancer.
The procedure of partial mastectomy is similar to lumpectomy. However, this procedure picks up more soft tissues. The tumor is removed along with a large number of healthy soft tissues around it.
Subcutaneous mastectomy is also called a "nipple-sparing" mastectomy. This procedure lifts the entire breast organ, except the nipple. However, this procedure is rarely used because this type of mastectomy will leave more breast tissue than any other procedure. This will increase the risk of return of cancerous tumors. Cancer in very small amounts may be left in the breast.
Preventive mastectomy, also known as prophylactic mastectomy or risk reduction. This operation is performed before a woman is diagnosed by breast cancer. Generally, this procedure is used in women who have a very high risk of breast cancer. Breast lifting is one way to minimize the risk.
What will happen after a mastectomy?
After surgery, you will continue hospitalization for a few days in the hospital. A day after surgery, you will be taught a special mild exercise. Exercise will help relieve stiffness in the arm or shoulder on the side of the body that is mastectomy. Exercising can also improve your body strength.
You will have a special catheter that will hold blood and fluid from the operating area. You may be required to change the type and pattern of the sport to accommodate the catheter.
Once your lymph nodes are removed, you will be more susceptible to lymphoedema. Lymphedema is a clump of fluid in the arms, hands, or chest.
Lymph nodes will generally filter the lymph fluid through your body down into the blood. Without lymph nodes, the fluid can clot in the soft tissues. Doing mild postoperative exercise will help reduce your risk for having this condition.
The signs of lymphoedema include:
- The arms are heavy or swelling
- The skin on the arm feels tight
- Numb on the arm or hand
- The flexibility of the hand or arm is reduced
If you have lymphedema, therapy usually involves massage or the use of special tools that can reduce the pressure
Life after mastectomy
After a mastectomy, it is important to keep yourself protected from infection. Infection may result in lymphoedema. Here's an easy way to minimize the risk of infection:
- Get an injection on the side of the arm that is not the operating area
- Use protective gloves when cleaning the house, gardening, and washing dishes
- Use an electric shaver to avoid cuts
- Use sunscreen to avoid burning
- Wear loose clothing and do not wear jewelry
- Avoiding alcohol
- Quit smoking
- Maintain weight
Some women choose to perform breast reconstruction after mastectomy, while others prefer to use artificial breasts. Some women choose to accept the new look as it is.
All this is a personal choice. Each woman's choice is different from each other. Discuss your choice with your doctor. Run everything that makes you feel healthy and happy.
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