Although “breast cancer” is something women do not want to encounter, once the disease occurs, the important thing to do is timely treatment. Sometimes, in misfortune, there may be some luck left, which is the ability to preserve the breast with treatment outcomes almost no different from removing the entire breast. However, in cases where the breast cannot be preserved, there are currently breast reconstruction surgical techniques that make patients feel they do not have to lose an organ for treatment.
Surgical treatment options for breast cancer
After the doctor examines the body and diagnoses from mammogram films combined with ultrasound showing breast cancer, the doctor will inform the methods and procedures for treatment, which are in 2 forms:
- Complete breast removal surgery (Mastectomy)
- Removal of only the tumor and surrounding breast tissue (Lumpectomy)
In cases where the breast can still be preserved, the doctor will explain the pros and cons of each method. Ultimately, the patient will decide which surgical method to choose, whether to preserve the breast or remove it entirely.
Breast-conserving surgery (Partial mastectomy)
Suitable for patients who have a single small tumor in the breast and no spread of the tumor within the breast. The cancerous tumor and normal breast tissue around it are removed, cutting about 1-2 centimeters away from the tumor margin. Most of the nipple, nipple base, and majority of the breast tissue are preserved. The doctor removes only the malignant tissue, but this method requires radiation therapy to achieve results comparable to complete breast removal. If axillary lymph nodes need to be removed, additional surgery on the armpit will be performed at the same time. After breast surgery, patients can maintain the breast shape, although the size may not be symmetrical, but the difference is usually not very noticeable. However, in some cases where the tumor is large and requires removal of a significant amount of breast tissue, the breast size after surgery may differ greatly or become deformed.
Currently, breast reconstruction surgical techniques address this issue
- The advantage of removing only the tumor and surrounding breast tissue is less extensive surgery, better preservation of the original breast shape and sensation. Additionally, recovery from surgery and hospital stay are shorter.
- The disadvantage of removing only the tumor and surrounding breast tissue includes the need for radiation therapy for about 5-7 weeks, 5 days per week. The chance of local recurrence is slightly higher than complete breast removal, but it can be treated with later mastectomy. There is also a possibility of a second surgery after the first because generally, surgeons remove the tumor and surrounding tissue as widely as they are confident all cancer cells are removed. However, sometimes when the biopsy results return about a week later showing cancer cells at the margin of the removed tissue, it indicates that cancer cells may still remain in the breast. Therefore, another surgery is required to remove a wider margin of breast tissue or consider complete breast removal.
Breast reconstruction surgery is another option for breast cancer patients to reduce the loss of feminine identity. It is done by surgery to transplant tissue from other parts of the body such as the abdomen, back, hips, or shoulder blade. There is also the use of materials that mimic the breast, such as breast implants. Currently, breast implants are produced with advanced technology, and studies have found them to be safer. The advantages of using breast implants are that patients do not need additional surgical wounds from other parts of the body, can choose the size and shape according to their needs, have shorter surgery time, and shorter recovery time. The choice of breast reconstruction surgery can be done immediately with mastectomy, mostly combined with breast-conserving surgery, or done after mastectomy, which may have more surgical limitations. Reconstruction or breast creation helps patients feel more confident, reduces loss, and helps them confidently return to work and normal life.
However, surgery to manage breast cancer will be considered individually by the doctor to determine which type of breast surgery is appropriate, whether reconstruction is possible, and which method is safest and most suitable.
