Mastectomy is a radical treatment for breast cancer.
Unlike lumpectomy (tumor removal), mastectomy involves resection of the entire breast.
Indications for total breast removal:
- a malignant tumor in the breast is large,
- the tumor cannot be removed from one incision, since there are several foci.
Also, during a mastectomy, regional (axillary) lymph nodes are removed.
Types of mastectomy
- according to Halsted (removal of pectoralis major and minor muscles and axillary tissue);
- according to Urban (removal of pectoralis major and minor muscles, axillary tissue and lymph nodes);
- according to Patty (removal of the mammary gland and pectoralis minor muscle);
- according to Madden (removal of the gland with preservation of the pectoral muscles).
Benefits of mastectomy:
- the possibility of complete reconstruction of the glands ;
- the chance of recurrence is lower than with lumpectomy.
Disadvantages of breast removal
- breast loss;
- longer recovery period after surgery.
Side effects of mastectomy
- side effects of general anesthesia (dizziness, headache, confusion, nausea, etc.);
- bleeding;
- infection;
- lymphedema.
Lymphedema is swelling of the extremities caused by stagnation of lymph after removal of the lymph node.
Edema can develop immediately after surgery, and after a fairly long time.
Lymph stasis is characterized by:
- swelling of the limbs, a feeling of heaviness in them:
- decreased flexibility in the arms and legs;
If you see signs of lymphedema, be sure to tell your doctor about them.