Individuals diagnosed with breast cancer are more likely to go through a surgical procedure. It is best to consult the general surgeon in Lahore. The surgeon can help the patient understand the risk factors involved during and after the surgery.
What is Lumpectomy?
Lumpectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the cancerous cells from the breast. The surgeon only removes the tumor and surrounding tissue. The procedure is also known as Re-excision and breast-conserving surgery. Lumpectomy is not an option for severe cases with large tumors. The patient is required to undergo radiation therapy after the procedure to make sure there are no more cancerous cells that could cause further complications.
What is Mastectomy?
Mastectomy is a surgical procedure in which the surgeon extracts the entire breast. There are multiple mastectomy procedures; such as,
Total/Simple Mastectomy: In this type, the surgery removes the entire breast but leaves the lymph nodes.
Modified Radical: The surgery involves the partial removal of lymph nodes with complete removal of the breast. The procedure helps evaluate if the cancer is spread to other areas.
Radical Mastectomy: The procedure removes the breast, lymph nodes, and some of the muscles present in the chest. This procedure is used in severe cases when cancer has reached the muscles in the chest.
Subcutaneous Mastectomy: In this procedure, the surgeon conserves the nipples and removes the breast.
What Are The Risks Associated With The Surgical Procedure; Lumpectomy?
The patients who undergo lumpectomy have a higher chance of recurrent. Also, after the surgery, the patient has to undergo radiation therapy that can cause discomfort, damage the healthy tissues, fatigue, cause extreme breast pain, less white blood count, redness and soreness.
What Are The Benefits Of Lumpectomy?
The surgery is less invasive as compared to other options and helps the patient keep the breast as it is. This procedure allows the patient to get treated without having additional anxiety regarding their appearance. Also, the surgery does not require the patient to stay at the hospital for days. The patient can go home on the same day and does not require extensive care and recovery time.
What Are The Risks Associated With Mastectomy?
The patient is required to stay at the hospital for days, as the surgery is invasive and requires extensive care. Also, the patient may suffer from unbearable pain, tenderness, and swelling, deadness in arms, and blood buildup near the surgical site. Blood buildup can cause further complications and would take a longer time for recovery. Lastly, the patients may become psychologically distressed due to their appearance; hence, they are advised to consider breast reconstruction along with mastectomy.
What Are The Benefits Of Mastectomy?
The patients undergoing mastectomy remain peaceful as there are low chances of recurrent cancer. Also, after mastectomy, there is no need of undergoing radiation therapy. Patients opting for mastectomy won’t have to take radiation therapy, which has multiple side effects.
Which Procedure For Treating Breast Cancer Is Better?
Both the procedures are proven effective for treating cancer, but the patient must consider the pros and cons before making the decision based on multiple factors. There are multiple factors that should be considered such as type and spread of cancer, recovery time, risks involved, psychological impact, and financial situation of the patient.
Who Can Help?
The individuals recommended undergoing either one of the procedures should contact the general surgeon in Islamabad for expert opinion. The procedure will be dependent on the condition of the patient. Also, the specialist will help the person guide regarding the suitable treatment that would help enhance the quality of life.