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Breast Cancer Surgery
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Surgery is the mainstay of treatments available for breast cancer.
The type of surgery used depends on the size and location of the
tumour, the type of tumour and the person’s wishes and overall
health. It is now possible for breast-sparing surgery in many cases.
And if breast surgery is needed, breast reconstruction is an option
taken by many women.
Lumpectomy – this involves the removal of the cancerous tissue that
is cancerous and the surrounding area.
The
lymph nodes in the armpit are generally sampled at the same time.
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This is just about always
done along with other therapies such as radiation therapy or with
chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. Lumpectomy is usually performed when the
surgeon is convinced there has been no spread of the cancer cells.
A simple mastectomy
consists of the removal of the entire breast. If the cancer is found to be
invasive, this type of surgery alone will not be successful in curing it.
This is a common surgical treatment for non-invasive types of breast cancer.
Radiation treatment or chemotherapy is usually given in conjunction with
this treatment.
Radical modified
mastectomy removes the breast and the underarm (axillary) lymph nodes
although it does not remove the underlying muscle in the chest wall. Surgery
alone is usually considered adequate to control the breast cancer if it has
not metastasized although addition chemotherapy or hormonal therapy is
offered on most occasions.
Those who have been
diagnosed with breast cancer will be required to undergo follow up care for
the rest of their life. The initial following up treatment is usually every
3-6 months during the first 2-3 years. This often involved a careful
examination of the breast, an annual mammography, blood tests and on some
occasions, chest x-rays. Other tests such as bone and CT scans are performed
when needed.
It is important that a
close family relative of someone diagnosed with breast cancer such as a
mother, daughter or sister to be tested for breast cancer on an annual
basis.
Those women who are
genetically at high risk of developing breast cancer may benefit from
tamoxifen as it has previously been seen to decrease the incidence of the
disease occurring. Raloxifene, which is used to treat osteoporosis is now
being studied for treating breast cancer.
The potential side
effects should be discussed at length with your health care provider before
beginning each different treatment.
Excessive alcohol
intake and obesity following menopause can increase the risk of developing
breast cancer although this increase is slight. Those women who are
physically active have a lower risk.
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More and more women who are at a high risk of developing breast
cancer are having preventative or prophylactic mastectomies to avoid
them developing breast cancer.
The main risk factors for women to develop breast are age, sex and
genetics. Women can do nothing about these risks so regular screen
is recommended to prevent death caused by breast cancer.
Women should undertake regular screening including self examination,
mammography and clinical breast examinations. |
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