Did you know that there is an average of 15 women who die of breast cancer in the US every day? That is one for every fifteen minutes. With it still reigning to be among the most common cancers affecting women, there are those that go to drastic lengths and request for a mastectomy, particularly those who have a genetic predisposition to it. Before you think that this is some kind of saving grace for you, it is best that you get yourself acquainted with the hard facts.

What is mastectomy?

It is the surgical partial or complete removal of the one or both breast tissues, usually done as a treatment for breast cancer. The approach done during this procedure depends on the staging, breast size, tumor size, and the involvement of the lymph nodes.

What are the types of mastectomy?

SIMPLE

This approach is also referred to as total mastectomy because it involves the removal of the entire breast tissue of the breast affected with cancer. This traditional approach removes the entire breast but conserves the muscles and nearby lymph nodes, although it may sometimes be combined with lymph node biopsy. There are three subtypes to simple mastectomy and these are:

– Skin Sparing – Aside from the breast tissues removed, the only structure taken out at the external portions are those of the nipple and the areola. In order to minimize invasiveness the surgeon may have to create a keyhole incision to work with internal structures.

– Total Skin Sparing – Using an incision made at the edges of the breasts or around the areola, the surgeon removes the entire breast tissue but conserves the entire external structures.

– Nipple Sparing – In this approach the surgeon creates an incision around the nipple but leaves the areola intact. The entire breast tissue may be removed but the exterior structures are maintained. It is most common compared to other forms of simple mastectomies since it promises better success should breast reconstruction be done, and it also has a lower risk for complications. But the concerns about keeping such structures intact is that it poses a chance for recurrence later on.

RADICAL

This procedure involves the removal of the entire breast tissue, the underlying muscle and the surrounding lymph nodes. This procedure is not so common today.

MODIFIED RADICAL

It is less invasive than the radical approach and is now the standard approach for this type of surgery. In this procedure the breast tissue, the skin, nipple, areola, and lymph nodes are removed. However, the pectoralis muscle is left intact. This is a more conservative technique which is done for the purpose of providing better aesthetic results or better chances for successful reconstruction.

MASTECTOMY OVER RADIATION THERAPY

Radiation therapy is always recommended after a lumpectomy (or removal of breast lumps) in order to get rid of cancerous cells. But in some cases there are women who are very sensitive to the radiation waves, have certain conditions which could lead their body to react negatively to the treatment (e.g. SLE), or they are simply afraid of the effects of radiation. That is why they opt for mastectomy over the less invasive treatment.

But even though radiation is less invasive there are patients who sees mastectomy to be a more practical and a sure approach. Radiation requires repeated sessions which may be hard to keep up due to geographical, financial and work-related reasons. Mastectomy, on the other hand, can give a woman that one time treatment which also gives her better assurance in preventing recurrence.

What is Prophylactic Mastectomy?

It is also known as preventive mastectomy, which means that one or both breasts are removed to prevent or reduce the risk of breast cancer, especially in women who are predisposed to it.

Women go through with it for various reasons. It could be that she had cancer on one breast, and to avoid a recurrence on the other breast she can have the other removed before it gets affected. Those women who have a family history of breast cancer or those who have tested positive for gene mutations indicative of cancer can also opt to have this procedure done.

Those who were diagnosed with lobular carcinoma in situ, which increases her risk for cancer developing in either or both breasts also choose to undergo prophylactic mastectomy.

What are the concerns about Mastectomy?

One of the major concerns with mastectomy is that it can affect a woman’s self-esteem due to the physical changes. With defining characteristics of her womanhood removed, it is highly likely that she experience an altered body image. In some cases this can leave her severely disfigured which would require another surgery to repair or restore a normal appearance.

The extent of the procedure can also be very risky.

How can one regain normal body image after mastectomy?

Before a woman decides to have mastectomy it is important that she discuss this at length with her doctor. She can however regain a normal body image through breast reconstruction surgery involving skin flaps or skin grafts taken from other parts of the body. Another approach, which is considered to be more preferable due to its less invasive nature compared to grafting, is breast augmentation surgery.

Esteem Cosmetic Studio is one of the most prominent Cosmetic Clinic based in Australia. It is run by a team of doctors who specialize in different field of cosmetic surgery. If you are currently considering cosmetic breast procedure, visit their website today. They have area offices located at Canberra, Brisbane, and Sydney Australia.

Esteem Cosmetic Studio is one of the most prominent Cosmetic Clinic based in Australia. It is run by a team of doctors who specialize in different field of cosmetic surgery. If you are currently considering cosmetic breast procedure, visit http://www.esteemstudio.com.au for more information.

Author Bio: Esteem Cosmetic Studio is one of the most prominent Cosmetic Clinic based in Australia. It is run by a team of doctors who specialize in different field of cosmetic surgery. If you are currently considering cosmetic breast procedure, visit their website today. They have area offices located at Canberra, Brisbane, and Sydney Australia.

Category: Womens Interest
Keywords: mastectomy, breast cosmetic surgery, esteem cosmetic studio, breast implant surgery