PROCEDURES Breast cancer surgery
What is Breast Cancer Surgery
Breast cancer surgery is a critical component of breast cancer treatment that involves removing cancerous tissue during a specialised operation. Breast cancer surgery is generally combined with other therapies, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy and radiation therapy to eradicate cancerous tissue from the breast area.
For people with a very high risk of breast cancer, such as those with specific gene mutations or a family history of cancer, specific breast cancer surgery, such as Mastectomy, may be an option to eliminate the risk of developing breast cancer in the future.
There are several different procedures categorised as Breast Cancer Surgery. These include:
- Mastectomy: Surgery to remove the entire breast.
- Lumpectomy: Surgery to remove a portion of the breast tissue.
- Lymph Node Removal: Surgery to remove nearby lymph nodes.
- Breast Reconstruction: Surgery to reconstruct the breast after a mastectomy has been performed.
Our multidisciplinary team consists of Oncologists and Surgeons, and they will help you decide which breast cancer operation is best for you. Your surgical options will depend on the size and stage of your cancer, your other treatment options, your goals and your preferences.
What to expect
As you work with your multidisciplinary team to plan your surgery, you'll be asked about your medical history. Your medical history plays an essential part in keeping you safe during your breast cancer surgery.
Try not to hold back any information, even if you think it's irrelevant or embarrassing. Tell your medical team everything you can think of. It's usually beneficial to keep a journal or notebook before your operation to jot down any information you learn or remember before the procedure.
Regardless of what kind of breast cancer surgery you're having, you must inform your team of:
- Any past bad reactions to procedures or medications.
- Any medications or recreational drugs you're taking or have just stopped taking.
- Any vitamins and herbal supplements you're taking.
Your doctor will ask you to stop taking aspirin and any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen) several weeks before surgery to avoid complications.
Some medications you take can seriously affect your body's ability to handle the shock of surgery and heal well afterwards. But, again, no one wants any surprises during surgery.
