A mastectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or both breasts either in full or partially. Typically, a mastectomy is performed to treat various stages of breast cancer, even in the prevention stages.
Indicators/Identifying Factors
Although advances in medicine have provided breast conservation techniques for cancer patients, there are some patients who would benefit more from mastectomies than these other techniques. Women who have undergone other surgical procedures, such as a lumpectomy, or radiation therapy but have not had all cancerous lumps removed would benefit from a mastectomy. Other ideal candidates for mastectomies include: male breast cancer victims, pregnant women, persons with connective tissue diseases, or patients with breast lumps larger than 5 centimeters who have not benefited from chemotherapy treatments.
Classifications
One type of mastectomy, the radical mastectomy, removes all contents of the breasts from the glands, to the fatty tissues, to the lymph nodes, as well as the muscles behind the breast. A modified radical mastectomy allows the muscles to be left intact. A subcutaneous mastectomy allows for the areola and nipple structure to be preserved as a whole. Removing only affected parts of the breast, along with the lymph nodes, performs a fourth type of mastectomy, referred to as the total mastectomy. The type a patient needs is dependent upon several factors, and the surgeon will discuss the mastectomy options before surgery.
Time Frame for Recovery
As with most surgeries, the first few days following the procedure will be the most painful and will normally require hospitalization. After leaving the hospital, recovering patients are restricted from lifting heavy objects and are recommended to avoid activities and situations in which the body will be bounced about---such as running, jogging or even riding across bumpy dirt roads---for 4 to 6 weeks following the surgery. After 4 to 6 weeks have passed the patient should be healed from the surgery.
Effects
Along with the removal of cancerous tumors, a mastectomy will also greatly affect the patient's self image, making it one of the most difficult mastectomy results to deal with. Some patients choose reconstructive surgery to bring their appearance back to its previous condition; this option often requires two or three more surgeries. Alternatively, patients may choose bras that include prosthetic breasts to make them appear normal when dressed.
Misconceptions
Mastectomies are used for treatment of breast cancer in both females and males. Many people only think of women as being affected by breast cancer, but this is not the case. The mastectomy procedure is considered a local therapy, targeting the cancer affected breast or breasts instead of systemic treatments affecting the entire body. This procedure benefits both men and women.
Risks and Warnings
To catch cancerous tumors early so that mastectomy intervention is a success, examine your breasts at least once a month, and schedule annual mammograms to screen for lumps. A mastectomy may not always be successful, and other therapies may need to be attempted.
Tags: breast cancer, affected breast, cancerous tumors, lymph nodes, mastectomy allows, patients choose, radical mastectomy
