Breast cancer pathologies are increasingly being diagnosed in young women of reproductive age. According to official WHO data, the risk of a terrible disease is increasing annually. But today, medicine does not stand still and is actively being modernized, more and more new technologies are being created, diagnostic and treatment methods that allow to identify the disease at an early stage and eliminate it.
One of the effective ways to solve the problem is a mastectomy. What is it? A proven surgical method that is used for breast cancer. If ten years ago, doctors separated the entire gland along with the pectoral muscles (even at an early stage), but today, thanks to modern technology and the high skill of doctors, you can save the nipple areola and axillary lymph nodes.
Specialists of the 21st century make every effort to maintain healthy tissue and eliminate the affected, because the complete removal of the mammary gland inflicts a severe psychological blow on a woman. Let's talk more about the types of operations and the consequences.
Operation Madena (simple mastectomy)
The surgeon does not excise the regional axillary, subscapular and subclavian lymph nodes, and also leaves the sternum muscles. At the same time, the affected mammary gland is removed . It is often prescribed as a preventive measure to prevent the development of cancer cells, especially with a genetic predisposition.
Operation Patey (modified radical)
The most common and popular procedure. The gland is removed along with the cartilaginous ends, fatty tissue (subclavian, axillary, subscapular), as well as the lymph nodes and part of the sternum. This method allows you to save the function of the breast for a full life and personal self-awareness. At the same time, the modified operation is not inferior in effectiveness to a radical mastectomy.
Halstead's operation (radical mastectomy)
The gland itself is excised with muscle tissue and lymph nodes, where cancer cells can be located. To reduce the amount of tissue removed, experts have developed several modifications of this method: according to Madden, Halstead, Peyti, Urban-Holdin, etc. Today, radical surgery to remove the mammary gland is extremely rare and only at a late stage, when other methods are inadmissible and impractical.
Reconstructive surgery with mastectomy
It is carried out in several ways: using your own tissues and silicone implants. Simultaneous reconstruction allows you to restore the volume of the chest and maintain its previous shape. Such operations are in great demand, they are chosen by more than 75% of women with cancer. Before they are performed, the doctor suggests that the patient go for a while with a special bra with inserted silicone prostheses, after which artificial implants of the desired shape, type and brand are placed under the skin. The reconstructive method returns hope for a fulfilling life. Such an operation is much simpler than using your own tissues.
Indications
Mastectomy - what is it? Surgical method to remove malignant seals in the mammary gland and areas of adjacent tissue. It is prescribed for the diagnosis of a large tumor, which is located outside the breast. It is performed for women with a small breast size in order to avoid deformation. For medical and aesthetic reasons, especially in the initial stages, an iron-preserving operation can be proposed. After it, radiation therapy is mandatory, as a result of which the chest is slightly deformed. Therefore, everyone decides what suits him best.
Complications
Although it is considered one of the safest surgical interventions, a mastectomy (that is, it was described above), after its implementation, negative consequences are not excluded. Some have heavy bleeding, this is due to poor blood coagulation. In rare cases, problems arise in the work of the shoulder joint. This is due to improper rehabilitation. One can also distinguish such a complication as wound infection (it is treated only with antibacterial drugs).
Lymphostasis also occurs after mastectomy - a tangible and visible accumulation of fluid in the lymphatic vessels. But such a condition occurs relatively rarely. Be aware that lymphedema can form even 2-3 years after the intervention. If edema occurs, seek medical attention immediately. In such cases, exercises are prescribed, bandaging (with an elastic sleeve or bandage) is used to stimulate blood flow.
Postoperative period
Removing the mammary gland is a difficult procedure, after which it is necessary to carefully treat your health and strictly follow the prescribed rules. It is allowed to get up already on the second day and independently serve yourself. Full activity is restored only on the 20th day. Drainage is usually removed after about two weeks (it all depends on the healing). To alleviate the condition, painkillers are prescribed.
Tips for patients undergoing surgery
The first few months, doctors do not recommend visiting the solarium and the beach. Intramuscular injections into the arm and injuries of the hands should also be avoided, with special care to care for the nails, avoiding abrasions and lesions. When working in the garden, rubber gloves should be worn. To avoid stagnation of the lymph and immobilization of the shoulder joint, it is necessary to develop a hand and lightly massage the armpit daily after ten days after the operation.
I want to say that many patients who underwent this operation were satisfied with their choice and quality of life. Of course, a mastectomy (what kind of medical procedure is this, you now also know) is not a panacea and has its drawbacks, but still this method helps to gain self-confidence and not be shy of one’s own body.