Radical Mastectomy

What exactly is a radical mastectomy?

A radical mastectomy is a procedure used to treat breast cancer. The affected breast, surrounding tissues, chest muscles (pectoralis major and minor), and lymph nodes in the axilla or underarm are all removed during this surgical procedure.

Following substantial studies in the area of breast malignancies, there have been breakthroughs in the method, and numerous adjustments have been implemented. The surgical treatments that are being done are less comprehensive than the initial version and have better results. Oncologists treating malignancies often perform three kinds of Mastectomies:

1. Total (simple) mastectomy: 

Oncologists believe that this is the best surgery for women who have extensive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Only breast tissue is targeted.

The whole breast is removed by the surgeon.

The surgeon is not permitted to do axillary lymph node dissection (removal of lymph nodes in the underarm area). However, in other circumstances, lymph nodes are removed because they are contained inside the breast tissue removed during surgery. There are no muscles removed from behind the breast.

2. Modified radical mastectomy:

This treatment removes breast tissue as well as lymph nodes. It is the most effective treatment for invasive breast cancer.

3. Partial mastectomy: 

Only the malignant area of the breast tissue is removed in this treatment, often together with adjacent normal tissues. Lumpectomy is a kind of partial mastectomy, however, less tissue is removed than in a typical partial mastectomy. The majority of the breast is left intact or conserved after a lumpectomy, which is commonly referred to as breast conservation surgery or procedure.

What is the purpose of a radical mastectomy?

The goal of a radical mastectomy is to stop breast cancer in its tracks. To get better outcomes, radical mastectomy may be combined with radiation or chemotherapy, depending on the patient's condition. The procedure used presently is known as a modified radical mastectomy or MRM. It is quite successful in the treatment of early-stage breast cancer. It reduces the risk of malignancy, but may not eliminate it.

Before the Procedure: 

The oncologist recommends medical tests such as x-rays, CT-Scans, and other biochemical studies to analyze and evaluate the current stage of malignancy. Before scheduling surgery, the doctor considers the size and location of the tumor, the number of tumors present, and the degree of their malignancy, as well as any general characteristics such as age, family history, and any additional issues. Blood thinners like aspirin and pain relievers like naproxen must be stopped a week before surgery. 

Procedure: 

Before the procedure, the patient's blood will be cross-matched to prepare for any transfusions that may be required. The oncologist makes an accurate incision after making the appropriate markings on how the procedure should be done; depending on where the tumor is lodged, the surgeon may do a partial mastectomy, a complete mastectomy, or an MRM treatment. After the tumor is removed, the surgeon sutures up the wound and provides medication. The procedure might take more than 2 hours.

Following surgery, the patient is cared for in the critical care unit for the first 48 hours before being transferred to a room. The hospital stay will last between one and ten days. The patient will be encouraged to walk and do his routine activities. Antibiotics are given for the sutures to heal faster. Depending on the patient's condition, the treatment may include radiation and chemotherapy. Needle aspiration will empty any fluid retention around the surgical site. During the first three months, avoid strenuous activities. 

Risks:

The most often-used operation to treat breast cancer is a modified radical mastectomy. It has its own inherent risks:

  • Piercing pain, shoulder stiffness, or discomfort that progressively subsides following mild exercises.
  • Lymphedema, or swelling on the side of the body where surgery is performed.
  • In some instances, damage to the nerves in the surgical area may occur
  • Risk of infection in the surgical area

Despite the inherent risks, radical mastectomy is a proven procedure to target the progression of breast cancer.

Want to know more about radical mastectomy, consult Dr. Rajinder Kaur Saggu one of the best Oncoplastic breast surgeon in Delhi.


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