Breast surgery is a group of medical procedures that are aimed at altering the breast size, shape, or contour for various reasons.
Breast surgery is a group of medical procedures that are aimed at altering the breast size, shape, or contour for various reasons, such as cancer treatment, cosmetic enhancement, or gender reassignment. Breast surgery types can be categorized into three categories: conserving, reconstructive, and cosmetic.
Breast surgery can be categorized according to the aim of the procedure. In this guide, the surgery types will be evaluated in three main categories.
Breast conserving surgery represents a significant advancement in breast cancer surgery types. The process focuses on removing cancerous cells and preserving as much of the breast tissue as possible. The main aim of the surgery is to maintain the breast’s appearance and minimize physical risks. These aims support the patient’s psychological and emotional recovery.
You should note that you should visit your doctor regularly, even if you do not have breast cancer symptoms. When breast cancer is detected early, the likelihood of successful treatment for breast cancer significantly improves.
The surgical procedure of breast conserving surgery may include the techniques below:
Lumpectomy
Lumpectomy surgery involves removing the tumor and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue. The procedure aims to eradicate cancer while keeping the majority of the breast intact. This procedure is often followed by radiation therapy to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. Lumpectomy is a preferred choice for early-stage breast cancer patients who wish to preserve their breast's natural shape and size. Lumpectomy recovery time may vary depending on the patient’s overall health and cancer stage. However, generally, after a few months, patients experience full recovery.
Oncoplasty
Oncoplasty is another breast surgery type that combines cancer surgery with plastic surgery techniques to remove the cancerous tissue and reshape the breast simultaneously. To treat breast cancer, this method also achieves a more natural appearance post-surgery, which addresses both health and cosmetic concerns. Oncoplasty is suitable for patients with larger tumors or those seeking to improve breast symmetry after cancer removal.
After oncoplasty, you can expect to have a recovery time lasting around several weeks. You will need to take care of the incisions and follow your surgeon’s instructions strictly.
Mastectomy
Mastectomy surgery entails the removal of one or both breasts. If your cancer has spread, your doctor may perform a mastectomy. As each patient’s needs and overall health condition differ, your doctor may perform a different type of mastectomy.
Simple Total Mastectomy
A simple total mastectomy involves the removal of the entire breast, including breast tissue, nipple, and areola. However, this breast surgery procedure does not involve muscle tissue or lymph node removal. The surgery is primarily used for treating multiple or large areas of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
Skin Sparing Mastectomy
Skin sparing mastectomy involves the removal of all the breast tissue. But most of the skin over the breast is preserved, which makes it an ideal option for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy.
Nipple Sparing Mastectomy
Nipple sparing mastectomy is a breast surgery type involving all breast tissue removal while preserving the breast skin, nipple, and areola.
Modified Radical Mastectomy
Modified radical mastectomy involves removing the entire breast and the axillary lymph nodes while preserving the chest muscles. This is used for extensive non-metastatic breast cancers.
Radical Mastectomy
Radical mastectomy entails the removal of the entire breast, chest muscles, and all of the axillary lymph nodes.
Prophylactic Mastectomy
Prophylactic mastectomy is an operation to prevent breast cancer. During the operation, your surgeon removes one or both breasts in women at very high risk of developing breast cancer.
Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy
Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy is a preventive surgery that involves removing the healthy breast in women who have cancer in one breast to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in the other breast.
Bilateral Mastectomy
A bilateral mastectomy is an operation involving the removal of both breasts. The aim of the double mastectomy can be to treat cancer present in both breasts or to prevent measures for those at high risk of breast cancer.
Sentinel Node Biopsy
The sentinel node biopsy procedure identifies the first few lymph nodes into which a tumor drains (sentinel nodes) and removes them for examination. This technique helps determine the cancer's spread to the lymphatic system. In addition, the breast biopsy procedure guides further treatment decisions without the need for extensive lymph node removal.
Lymphadenectomy
Lymphadenectomy, or axillary lymph node dissection, involves removing several lymph nodes from the underarm area to check for cancer spread. This surgery is usually performed when cancer has been found in the sentinel nodes. In addition, the operation provides crucial information for staging the cancer and planning subsequent treatments.
As can be seen above, breast-conserving surgery types are highly detailed procedures. If you are looking for a treatment performed by experienced, well-educated, and trained surgeons, you can check out the breast surgery Turkey option at our clinic. In addition, in Turkey, breast surgery cost is less than in other Western countries. This means that you can get your treatment with minimum cost and maximum service.
Breast reconstruction surgeries restore the breast's shape and appearance after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. It can be performed immediately following cancer surgery or delayed until after all other breast tumor surgery types are completed. This procedure helps women regain confidence and a sense of normalcy.
Types of reconstructive breast surgery can be summarized as below:
Breast surgery for cosmetic purposes encompasses a range of elective procedures aimed at enhancing the appearance, shape, and size of the breasts. Popular types include breast augmentation for increasing size, breast lift for addressing sagging, and breast reduction for decreasing size. These surgeries are tailored to individual preferences, helping patients achieve their desired aesthetic outcome and boost their self-confidence.
The cost of breast surgery for cancer treatment can vary widely depending on the type of surgery, the complexity of the procedure, and the geographical location of the healthcare facility. Turkey has emerged as a leading destination for medical treatments, especially breast cancer treatment. At our clinic, we offer access to highly experienced doctors and state-of-the-art clinics at prices that are often more affordable than those found in Western countries.
Breast cancer can often be removed without the need to remove the entire breast, primarily through a procedure known as a lumpectomy. This breast-conserving surgery targets and removes only the cancerous tissue and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue. The procedure allows for the preservation of most of the breast.
In the context of breast cancer treatment, the two primary types of breast surgery are lumpectomy and mastectomy. A lumpectomy, often considered breast-conserving surgery, involves removing only the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue. In contrast, a mastectomy entails the removal of the entire breast and offers a more extensive option for cancer eradication.
