It's normal to feel overwhelmed and scared when you find out you have breast cancer. "What do I do now?" "What are the treatments?" There are so many questions that come to mind. First, remember that you are not alone in this journey. Your medical team, family, and friends are with you. Surgery is a very important and important part of the breast cancer treatment plan. So today, let's talk about everything, as if you were talking to a friend.
What exactly is breast cancer surgery?
Simply put, breast cancer surgery is the surgical removal of tissue from the body that contains cancer cells. In most cases, if you have breast cancer, your medical team will almost certainly recommend this surgery. It may be done before or after other treatments (such as chemotherapy).
The most important thing is that if the cancer is at a stage where it can be removed, surgery is the most effective way to do so.
But here's something we need to understand. If the cancer has spread beyond the breast to distant parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, or brain (metastatic breast cancer), surgery is not the main treatment. In such cases, treatments that affect the entire body are needed.
Sometimes surgery is done to remove just a cancerous lump. Other times, the entire breast may need to be removed. Although these surgeries are primarily curative, they are sometimes used for diagnostic purposes (for example, to see if the cancer has spread) or for cosmetic breast reconstruction.
What are these types of surgeries?
Breast cancer surgeries can be divided into several main types. You should discuss with your doctor which of these is most suitable for you.
| Type of surgery | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Lumpectomy (Lumpectomy / Partial Mastectomy) | This involves removing only the cancerous "lump" and a small amount of healthy tissue around it. This surgery can be done in the early stages of cancer. |
| Mastectomy | This surgery removes all of the tissue from one or both breasts. In some cases, nearby parts, such as the chest muscles, may also be removed. |
| Sentinel Node Biopsy | Removing and examining one or more lymph nodes in the armpit near the breast to see if the cancer has spread. |
| Lymphadenectomy | Removing most of the lymph nodes in the armpit and examining them in depth to see how far the cancer has spread. |
| Breast Reconstruction | After the cancer is removed, the shape of the breast can be reshaped. This can be done using breast implants or tissue taken from another part of your own body. |
How soon does this surgery need to be done?
Cancer treatment is always something that should be started early. The sooner we start treatment, the more likely it is that the cancer will stop growing. Statistically, surgery within 8 weeks of diagnosis is very important for successful results. However, in some cases, doctors decide to give other treatments before surgery. So it is important to work with your doctor's plan.
What happens before, during and after the surgery?
Before surgery
Once you are diagnosed with breast cancer, your doctor will schedule a day to discuss your treatment plan with you. Your overall health and the stage of your cancer will determine your treatment plan. You can also discuss whether you would like to have breast reconstruction after surgery, and if so, when it will be done.
During surgery
The surgery will be tailored to your needs. The surgeon's main goal is to remove all tissue that may contain cancer cells. The time it takes to do this will vary depending on the type of surgery. While a simple lumpectomy may take one to two hours, a mastectomy may take three to four hours or more. You may also need to stay in the hospital for a day or more.
After the surgery
While you are recovering from surgery, the removed tissue and lymph nodes will be examined by a pathologist. This test will determine if the cancer has been completely removed or if it has spread to the lymph nodes. After receiving the report, your doctor will talk to you about what to do next. You may need further treatment (such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy).
What are the risks and side effects of the surgery?
Like any surgery, breast cancer surgery can have certain risks and side effects. It is important to be aware of these beforehand.
| Risk/side effect type | Description |
|---|---|
| Risks common to any surgery | |
| Wound infection | Symptoms may include fever, redness around the wound, and a feeling of warmth. |
| Blood clots | If you experience painful swelling of a leg, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, notify your doctor immediately . |
| Fluid accumulation (Seroma) | Fluid accumulation at the surgical site. Most of the time, this heals on its own. |
| Side effects specific to breast surgery | |
| Numbness and nerve damage | Nerve damage during surgery may cause numbness and pain in the chest, armpit, or arm. These will resolve within a few weeks. |
| Shoulder stiffness | It is normal to feel stiffness and difficulty moving your shoulder and arm after surgery. This can be avoided by doing the exercises your doctor gives you daily. |
| Cording | Some people who have had their armpit lymph nodes removed develop this condition (Axillary Web Syndrome). The symptom is a feeling of a tight vein running from the armpit down the arm. It can be cured with gentle massage. |
| Lymphedema | Swelling of the hand or arm due to obstruction of the lymphatic system. If this persists, treatment is required. |
Let's learn about how long it takes to heal and scars.
You may feel sore and tired for a few weeks after surgery. Your doctor will give you painkillers and exercises to do for your arm and shoulder. Doing these exercises correctly is very important to prevent shoulder stiffness. You will usually be able to return to your normal activities within about a month.
It's normal to leave a scar after any surgery. Although they may initially appear red and bumpy, over time these scars will flatten and become pale.
If surgery is performed when the cancer is confined to the breast, the relative 5-year survival rate is as high as 99%. This is really very optimistic news, isn't it?
Your medical team will schedule a follow-up visit with you a week or two after your surgery. At that time, they will review your condition, discuss test results, and plan next steps.
Take-Home Message
- The main treatment for most types of breast cancer is surgery.
- You should talk to your doctor to decide which type of surgery (such as Lumpectomy or Mastectomy) is best for you.
- Starting treatment early is very important for successful outcomes.
- It takes time to heal. Listen to your body, be patient, and don't skip exercise.
- Feel free to discuss your fears, doubts, and questions with your doctor and medical team. Always remember that you are not alone in this journey.
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