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lundi 10 février 2014

Various Procedures Used In Breast Surgery

By Jerri Perry


Women that suffer from breast cancer normally have tumors within both or one breast. Breast surgery is the procedure that can be used to remove such tumors and thus prevent further growth. A number of options of treatment are available, for instance mastectomy and breast-conserving surgeries. The option of reconstruction can be considered during or after treatment is done with. During the surgical operation also, lymph nodes under the arms are checked to ensure there is no spread of cancerous cells to them. Two procedures are used to do this checking; axillary lymph dissection and sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Surgeries for breast conservation are also known as partial mastectomy. It involves getting rid of parts of breasts that have cancerous cells. The size of portions removed will be dependent on size and location of the tumors. There are instances when radiation therapy would have to be given after surgical operation, in which case surgeons will place small metallic chips within the breasts. The function of these is to mark areas that will undergo treatments through radiation. The chips will show in x-rays.

Lumpectomy involves getting rid of the tumors and the surrounding margins that have normal tissue. This procedure will be followed by radiation therapy. There however are times when chemotherapy needs to be given. In such instances, radiation gets delayed until chemotherapy is done with.

In comparison with lumpectomy, in quadrantectomy more tissue is removed. In fact, one quarter of the breast gets removed, hence the name. Radiation is done after that. If however chemotherapy needs to be given as well, then the surgeons will delay radiation until the chemotherapy is completed.

If in any case cancerous cells are present at edges of removed tissues, they will be known as positive margins. On the other hand, lack of these cells at the margins makes them be referred to as negative margins. Having positive margins implies that more cancerous cells are still present and the surgeon would have to remove more tissues in a process known as re-excision. In more serious cases, the margins cannot be cleared of the cells through removal of tissues. In such cases, more advanced procedures will be required, notably mastectomy.

The possible side effects of the entire procedure should be discussed with the surgeon well in advance. Some of the side effects include tenderness, temporary swelling, pain and hard scar tissue. Just like is the case with all surgical operations, bleeding and infections are big possibilities. One should be well aware of these effects before consenting to undergo treatment.

Change in shape of breasts is a big possibility in the case that large portions of breasts are removed. This will require that the patient goes for reconstructive surgery. The unaffected breasts can also undergo reduction in size so that symmetry is achieved. The reduction in size can be done in the course of the initial procedure.

When considering breast surgery, it is essential to meet the doctor or plastic surgeon beforehand so as to have an idea of how breasts will appear after the procedure. It is then that one may discuss options that are available for correcting any anomaly. Patients will be more confident.




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