Surgery is usually recommended to treat almost all breast-cancer patients. Surgery can take the form of a mastectomy or a lumpectomy. A mastectomy involves removing the entire breast. A lumpectomy only removes breast tissue that contains cancer cells, to preserve the breast. Both of these surgical procedures can have side effects and potentially cause problems. A mastectomy is likely to have more-serious side effects and lasting health implications.
Common Lumpectomy Side Effects
A lumpectomy is the least invasive form of breast-cancer surgery, usually only appropriate for patients with Stage I or Stage II breast cancer. Common problems or side effects associated with a lumpectomy include breast pain, pain in the incision, inflammation or swelling of the breast or at the incision site and the formation of scar tissue. The scar tissue may remain hard and may cause pain for several months after the surgery.
Common Mastectomy Side Effects
A mastectomy is a more invasive operation then a lumpectomy. During a mastectomy, the entire breast is removed. There are several common side effects or problems that can occur after a mastectomy. Some women develop a hematoma, which is a type of infection where blood builds up where the breast was removed. A related infection, seroma, involves fluid building up where the breast was removed. Other potentially serious problems can develop, including a syndrome called post-mastectomy syndrome.
Post-Mastectomy Syndrome
Many women report feeling lingering pain in the nerves or bones after breast-cancer surgery. This was so prevalent that doctors have now begun to recognize a condition called post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMP). PMP may be a permanent or lingering form of pain that exists for months or years after the breast-cancer surgery. It may include a burning or aching feeling, pain or tenderness in the area where the breast was or limited arm mobility. According to Washington Hospital Medical Center, some doctors believe that the syndrome is caused by damage to the nerves that are cut when the breast is removed.
Change in Breast Appearance
Many women find their appearance to be their biggest concern after a mastectomy or a lumpectomy. Even with breast-reconstructive surgery, it may be impossible to achieve two breasts which match completely, and it may be difficult to achieve results you are satisfied with.
Other Potential Side Effects
For many women, removal of some lymph nodes is a part of their breast cancer surgery. The lymph nodes under the arm, called axillary lymph nodes, may need to be removed in order to check for cancer or to see if the cancer has spread. Removal of the lymph nodes can cause additional post-surgical problems that may linger for a long time. Lymphedema is one common possible result from having lymph nodes removed; it occurs in approximately one out of four women who have lymph nodes removed. Lymphedema is a condition where lymph fluid builds up and causes the arm to swell. It can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few years. The swelling may be painful and may limit mobility in the arm.
Tags: lymph nodes, breast removed, breast-cancer surgery, where breast, after breast-cancer
