Worry No More About “Breast Lumps” with Vacuum Assisted Breast Excision Technique
“Lumps” no matter where they occur, anyone would be worried. Even before knowing whether the lump is benign or malignant, just thinking about having to remove a tissue sample or lump for examination can cause sharp pain and various fears. It is even more concerning when the lump is in the breast, which has a chance of being cancerous. Breast cancer is the most common cancer found in Thai women and worldwide. In 2021, the incidence of new cases in Thailand was nearly 60 people per day. However, with the introduction of the “Vacuum Assisted Breast Excision” technique, or “breast lump excision through a needle using a vacuum-assisted tissue biopsy device”, breast lumps are no longer something to fear. This is confirmed by the direct experience of patients who have undergone this treatment.
Features of Vacuum Assisted Breast Excision
Before the Vacuum Assisted Breast Excision technique was available, breast lump removal surgery involved making an incision on the skin to access the lump and remove it from the breast tissue. This left a large cavity in the breast tissue, causing dimpling and a long, unsightly scar on the breast skin.
Later, tissue sampling for examination to determine whether the lump was cancerous or not could be done without surgery to remove the entire lump. This method, called Ultrasound Guided Core Needle Biopsy, uses a special tool to puncture the breast lump. It resembles a syringe but is longer and attached to an automatic tissue cutter. The needle is inserted through the breast tissue to cut and remove tissue samples from certain parts of the lump for examination. The advantages are that it is painless, provides tissue for diagnosis, leaves no scars, and no dimpling in the breast. However, the disadvantage is that the lump remains in the breast.
With evolving technology, the Vacuum Assisted Breast Excision technique was introduced. This involves removing the “entire lump” through a needle puncture. The method involves the surgeon administering local anesthesia and making a small incision to allow the needle to pass through. The needle is guided to the lump using real-time ultrasound. The surgeon then removes the lump piece by piece using a vacuum-assisted tissue biopsy device controlled by a computer system, ensuring high precision. The tissue is removed completely. After the needle is withdrawn, only a puncture-sized wound remains, with no scars, no breast deformity, and no post-operative pain, which is completely different from traditional breast lump removal surgery.
Experience with Vacuum Assisted Breast Excision Surgery
“Personally, I have regular annual health check-ups. Recently, I found two breast lumps that grew rapidly. At first, I was worried and feared malignancy. The doctor recommended removal, and I decided to use the Vacuum Assisted Breast Excision technique instead of traditional breast incision surgery, which could cause more pain or pain after anesthesia wears off and requires a recovery period of 15 days to one month, which made me very anxious. However, after discussing and receiving advice from the doctor and nurses, I decided to undergo Vacuum Assisted Breast Excision or breast surgery through a needle, which was excellent. Immediately after surgery, I did not experience severe pain; in fact, I hardly felt anything. The wound was very small, less than 2 mm, almost invisible unless closely observed. The recovery period was about one week, but I was able to return to work normally within 1–2 days after surgery. After surgery, a very thin waterproof dressing was applied, making the wound almost invisible under clothing. Of course, there was still some bruising on the breast because tissue was removed, but the bruising healed normally within two weeks. I also received advice on diet and self-care afterward. From my experience, I am very satisfied because not only was the wound small and painless, but the service was excellent. The doctor was highly skilled and answered all questions clearly. The nurses and staff provided reassuring consultations.”
I want people with lumps to monitor and take care of themselves, or if worried, it is better to see a specialist. Even if the lump is malignant and the doctor deems removal necessary, this device can complete the entire process: removing the entire lump and sending the tissue for examination without multiple painful procedures. It is convenient for doctors and comfortable for patients. With this, there is nothing to worry about.
