Mammary tumour removal

Surgical Procedure of Breast Cancer Removal

Types of malignant breast lesions

The breast is consists of glandular, connective, and fatty tissues. Its lesions can be benign or malignant tumors.

Malignant tumors are distinguished into non-invasive and invasive breast tumors.

Non-invasive breast tumors are histologically malignant but have not yet spread to deeper layers and do not metastase to lymph nodes or other organs. Examples of such tumors are DCIS tumors affecting the milk ducts, non-invasive LCIS tumors affecting the glandular tissue, or Paget’s disease. These lesions are rarely symptomatic, but if they are, they may present as a palpable lump or breast discharge. The chance of progression to invasive cancer is 30-50% within 10-20 years of diagnosis.
Invasive breast tumors are the most common malignant tumor in women. Incidence has increased in recent decades, while mortality by the disease has decreased, mainly due to early diagnosis, advanced surgical techniques and modern hormone, chemo- and radiotherapy. The exact background to its development is not clear, but genetic factors play a major role. It is mainly found in women aged 45-60 years.

Surgical options

Depending on the size and extent of the breast tumor, treatment options vary, and may include breast-conserving surgery or total breast removal surgery.

Mastectomy involves the removal of the breast tissue.
In conservative procedures in order to preserve the mammary gland, the tumor is removed. The remaining mammary glands are subjected to mandatory post-operative radiation therapy.

Pre- and intra-operative marking techniques

If the tumor is not palpable, preoperative marking is required, which is defined as ROLL (radio guided occult lesion localization ) or wire-hoof marking.

In wire-loop marking, a small wire loop is hooked into the tissue behind the tumor before surgery and the outer end is attached to the skin surface. The wire thread is guided through the surgical procedure so that the tumor can be easily located and removed.
Isotope labelling involves injecting radioisotopes into the area around the breast tumor before surgery. The isotope, which passes through the lymphatic vessels, accumulates in the primary nodule after a short time.

The possibilities of replacing the removed breast, the essence of surgery

Removal of breast tissue can cause significant deformity and volume loss, for which oncoplastic methods are a solution.

Reconstructive surgery can be performed with implants or using the patient’s own tissue. The removed breast tissue can be replaced by transferring or rotating the muscle and vascular tissue around the breast.

How long does the recovery take?

The length of hospital stay can vary depending on the individual and the condition, but usually the patient can return home on the 2rd day after surgery. At the end of the operation, the patient will be fitted with a cover bandage. It has to changed every day.The stitches will be removed 3 weeks after surgery.

After breast reconstruction done by implants, a special compression bra will be needed.

To avoid physical exertion is important for a few weeks, followed by gradual exercise and a balanced lifestyle to ensure a speedy recovery, with a return to a normal lifestyle after 1-2 weeks. Gentle, gradual exercise is possible from 2-3 months after surgery. The overall recovery varies from person to person, as the pace of rehabilitation and the general condition and activity prior to surgery are largely determined by the individual.

The final shape will be fully visible 3-6 months after the operation, by which time the shape of the breasts will have improved considerably and the scars will be barely visible.

Potential minor complications

– Haematoma

– Accumulation of lymph fluid (seroma)

– Infection

– Wound healing disturbance, wound exudation, wound separation

– Necrosis of skin, flaps

– Abnormal scarring

Skin numbness

– Major complication

thrombosis
pulmonal emboly
pneumothorax

What is included in the surgery price?

pre-operative anesthesia
doctor’s assistant fee
days of nursing care recommended by a specialist and included in the patient information leaflet
the cost of anesthesia
surgical and nursing staff
the cost of radiological monitoring during the hospital stay, the cost of laboratory tests required by the protocol
the cost of the tissue eximantion ( histology)
parking for the patient’s escort during the period of arrival and departure of the patient
accommodation in exclusive double rooms
lockable wardrobe and safe
broadband internet access
meals three times a day, five times a day if required (special requests will be taken into account: vegetarian meals, other sensitivities, etc.)
post-operative physiotherapy during your stay in hospital
one post-operative suture removal or control (in case of complications, additional free control appointments will be provided)
24 hour a day medical and nursing supervision
necessary medication during your stay in hospital and on the day of discharge
use of towels, slippers and bathrobe