TrustMed Clinic : Building Back Stronger: A Comprehensive Look at Breast Reconstruction Post-Breast Cancer
Breast cancer in women is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. It is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast begin to grow uncontrollably. These cells typically form a tumor that can often be seen on an x-ray or felt as a lump. If the tumor is malignant, it can invade surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body (metastasize).
Surgical Treatments For Breast Cancer
Lumpectomy
A lumpectomy, also known as breast-conserving surgery or partial mastectomy, involves the surgical removal of the breast tumor (lump) along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue. The goal is to remove the cancer while preserving as much of the breast as possible.
The surgeon makes an incision over the tumor. The incision's size and location depend on the tumor's size and position. The tumor and a small amount of surrounding healthy tissue are removed to ensure clear margins (no cancer cells at the edges of the removed tissue). Sometimes, the surgeon may also remove some nearby lymph nodes to check for cancer spread.
Benefits and Considerations
Breast Conservation: Preserves most of the breast, which can be important for cosmetic and psychological reasons.
Radiation Therapy: Usually followed by radiation therapy to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
Effectiveness: Effective for early-stage breast cancer when the tumor is small and localized.
Mastectomy
A mastectomy involves the surgical removal of one or both breasts, partially or completely. It is typically recommended for larger tumors, multiple tumors in different areas of the breast, or for patients who prefer or require a more extensive surgical approach.
Types of Mastectomy
Total (Simple) Mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast, including the nipple, areola, and most of the overlying skin.
Modified Radical Mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast and most of the lymph nodes under the arm (axillary lymph nodes).
Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: Removal of breast tissue, nipple, and areola, but most of the skin over the breast is preserved, allowing for immediate breast reconstruction.
Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: Removal of breast tissue while preserving the nipple and areola, also facilitating immediate reconstruction.
Benefits and Considerations
Comprehensive Removal: Effective for larger or more aggressive tumors, or for reducing the risk of recurrence in high-risk patients.
Reconstruction Options: Many patients opt for reconstructive surgery to restore the breast’s appearance.
Psychological Impact: The decision can be influenced by the patient’s feelings about body image, risk tolerance, and personal preferences.
Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that aims to restore the shape, appearance, and size of the breast following a mastectomy (removal of the entire breast) or lumpectomy (removal of a portion of the breast). This surgery can help women regain a sense of normalcy and improve their body image and self-esteem after undergoing treatment for breast cancer or other conditions that necessitate breast removal.
Types of Breast Reconstruction
Implant-Based Reconstruction
Saline or Silicone Implants: This method involves the use of breast implants to recreate the breast mound. It can be performed immediately after mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or delayed until after other treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy (delayed reconstruction).
Procedure: Typically, a tissue expander is placed first to stretch the skin and muscle, followed by the insertion of a permanent implant in a subsequent surgery.
Autologous or Flap Reconstruction
Tissue Transfer: This method uses tissue taken from another part of the patient's body, such as the abdomen (TRAM or DIEP flap), back (latissimus dorsi flap), or thighs, to reconstruct the breast.
Natural Look and Feel: This approach tends to provide a more natural look and feel compared to implants.
Combination of Both
Hybrid Reconstruction: Some women may benefit from a combination of flap techniques and implants to achieve the desired breast size and shape.
Considerations for Breast Reconstruction
Timing
Immediate Reconstruction: Performed at the same time as the mastectomy or lumpectomy.
Delayed Reconstruction: Performed months or years after the initial surgery, allowing time for other treatments like radiation or chemotherapy.
Health and Medical History
Suitability: The patient’s overall health, body type, and previous treatments (such as radiation) can affect the choice and timing of reconstruction.
Risk Factors: Potential complications and personal health risks need to be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Personal Preferences
Desired Outcome: Patients should discuss their aesthetic goals and expectations with their surgeon.
Lifestyle Considerations: The recovery time, the potential need for additional surgeries, and personal comfort with the different options should be considered.
Benefits of Breast Reconstruction
Restoration of Body Contour
Symmetry: Achieving a balanced appearance between the breasts, especially when only one breast is removed or altered.
Natural Appearance: Creating a breast that closely resembles the natural breast in shape and feel.
Psychological Well-being
Improved Self-Esteem: Many women feel more confident and positive about their bodies after reconstruction.
Reduced Emotional Distress: Helping reduce the emotional impact of losing a breast or part of a breast.
Clothing and Fit
Normal Clothing Options: Making it easier to wear a broader range of clothing, including swimsuits and fitted tops.
Bra Fit: Eliminating the need for external prostheses, making it easier to find well-fitting bras.
Breast reconstruction is a highly individualized procedure that can significantly enhance a woman's quality of life following a mastectomy or lumpectomy. It involves many techniques and options tailored to meet the patient's specific needs and goals.
Consult with the TrustMed team to understand the available options and make an informed decision about getting your breast reconstruction surgery in Turkey.
