Breast cancer surgery is a surgical procedure in which a tumor is removed from the breast to promote the patient's recovery. It is one of the most important measures in the treatment of breast cancer (mammary carcinoma), a malignant tumor that usually develops in the mammary glands (lobular) or milk ducts (ductal). In many cases, this operation is the most effective method of tumor removal and is an essential part of the overall treatment plan.
The operation is performed if a malignant change is detected in the breast tissue. Breast cancer mainly occurs in women, but can also affect men. The tumor should be removed as early as possible, otherwise it could grow and spread to other parts of the body (metastasis).
The main objectives of the intervention are:
- Removal of the tumor to stop the progression of the disease.
- Improving the chances of recovery.
- In some cases: Preservation of the breast (breast-conserving therapy) and aesthetic restoration by means of breast reconstruction.
Around 13 out of 100 women will develop breast cancer in the course of their lives @ Pixel-Shot /AdobeStock
Der Ablauf einer Brustkrebs-Operation hängt von verschiedenen Faktoren ab, wie der Tumorgröße, dem Tumorstadium und den Wünschen der Patientin. Es gibt in der Onkologie zwei hauptsächliche Operationsverfahren:
The procedure for breast cancer surgery depends on various factors, such as the size of the tumor, the stage of the tumor and the patient's wishes. There are two main surgical procedures in oncology:
- Breast-conserving surgery (partial resection): Here, only the tumor is removed while the rest of the breast is preserved. In many cases, radiotherapy is also carried out to reduce the risk of recurrence. 75 percent of breast cancer patients receive this treatment.
- Mastectomy (complete removal of the breast): Chosen when the tumor is too large or when the tumor occurs in multiple areas of the breast. After mastectomy, breast reconstruction may be considered to restore the aesthetic appearance.
Neoadjuvant therapy: In some patients, neoadjuvant therapy is carried out before surgery. This may include chemotherapy or anti-hormone therapy to shrink the tumor and make the operation easier.
During the operation, the lymph nodes in the armpit are often also removed to determine whether the cancer has spread to the lymph channels. Today, in most cases only the so-called “sentinel lymph node” is removed. This is the lymph node closest to the tumor. If it is free of tumor cells, the lymph nodes further away are also considered normal.
As with any operation, complications can occur during breast cancer surgery. The possible risks include
- Wound healing disorders
- Post-operative bleeding
- Lymphatic drainage disorders (e.g. swelling or lymphoedema)
- Infections (rare)
However, modern surgical techniques and precise aftercare minimize the likelihood of complications.
Scars in the breast area heal better than on other parts of the body and fade considerably over time @ srisakorn /AdobeStock
After surgery, it is crucial that the patient follows the aftercare recommendations to promote healing and avoid complications. The most important aspects include:
- Radiotherapy: Breast-conserving surgery is often followed by radiotherapy to destroy any remaining tumor cells.
- Lymphatic drainage: If lymph nodes have been removed, this can lead to lymphatic drainage disorders, which manifest themselves in swelling (lymphoedema). Manual lymphatic drainage performed by physiotherapists helps to remove excess lymphatic fluid and reduce swelling.
- Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy exercises help to eliminate movement restrictions in the shoulder-arm area and promote recovery.
- Regular follow-up examinations: In the first few years after the procedure, regular check-ups are important to detect relapses at an early stage. These usually take place every three months at first, then every six months. Your treating gynecologist is the contact person for these appointments.
The prognosis after breast cancer surgery depends on many factors, including the stage of the tumor, the type of tumor and the response to treatment. If breast cancer is detected early and the operation is successful, the chances of recovery are very good. Even with advanced cancer, modern treatment methods such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy can significantly improve the chances of recov
Surgery plays a crucial role in the treatment of breast cancer. In most cases, it is necessary to remove the tumor and promote healing. The procedure is customized, depending on the size of the tumour, the stage of the disease and the patient's wishes. Thanks to modern surgical techniques and precise aftercare, many patients have a high chance of a complete cure and a good quality of life.
The specialists for breast cancer belong to different specialties. As a rule, they are gynecologists and gynecologic oncologists. They often also have additional training in breast reconstruction.
Specialists from the fields of plastic surgery and reconstructive aesthetic surgery are also involved.
For more information, please also visit the informative breast cancer guide from the University Women's Hospital in Tübingen.
Glossary
- Breast cancer: Medical term for breast cancer.
- Neoadjuvant therapy: Treatment before surgery to shrink the tumor.
- Sentinel lymph node: The lymph node closest to the tumor that is examined for cancer cells.
- Mastectomy: Complete removal of the breast.
- Breast-conserving surgery: Removal of the tumor while preserving the breast.
