Breast surgery is an important treatment option for many patients diagnosed with breast cancer. The surgical approach depends on the tumour's size, location, number, stage, lymph-node involvement, tumour characteristics, and the patient's overall health and treatment preferences.
The objective is to remove the cancer effectively while considering breast preservation and the patient's overall treatment plan.
Why and When Is Breast Surgery Recommended?
Breast surgery may be recommended for:
- Confirmed breast cancer: Surgery may remove the primary tumour.
- Early-stage breast cancer: Breast-conserving surgery may be appropriate for selected patients.
- Extensive breast disease: Mastectomy may be advised when breast conservation is not suitable.
- Lymph-node assessment: Selected lymph nodes may need to be examined for cancer involvement.
- Certain high-risk or other breast conditions: Surgery may occasionally be considered based on individual clinical findings.
How Is Breast Surgery Performed?
Breast-conserving surgery removes the tumour with an appropriate margin of surrounding tissue while preserving most of the breast.
Mastectomy involves removal of breast tissue and may be recommended when clinically indicated.
Depending on the cancer and stage, procedures involving the lymph nodes may also be performed. Reconstruction may be considered for selected patients.
What Should Patients Expect After Breast Surgery?
Recovery depends on the type of operation performed. Patients may experience temporary pain, swelling, tiredness, or restricted arm movement.
The healthcare team provides guidance on wound care, physical activity, and recovery. Rehabilitation exercises may help restore shoulder and arm movement when required.
What Happens After Surgery?
The surgical specimen is examined by pathology. The results provide information about the tumour and lymph nodes and may help determine whether additional treatment is required.
Depending on the cancer characteristics, further treatment may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.
Breast cancer care is multidisciplinary, with treatment decisions based on pathology, imaging, tumour biology, stage, and individual patient requirements.
