Surgery
Your surgeon will discuss with you the most appropriate type of
surgery, depending on the size and any spread of the cancer. Before
any operation make sure that you have discussed it fully with your
surgeon. Remember, no operation or procedure will be done without
your consent.
For many women it is now possible to have a smaller operation
to conserve the breast rather than a mastectomy. This is known
as breast conserving surgery. All breast surgery, however, will
leave some type of scar, and the cosmetic effect depends on the
technique used. You may like to discuss with your doctor or nurse
beforehand what your breast will look like after surgery.
Page Contents
Segmental excision/Wide local excision
Mastectomy
Lymph node removal
Sentinel Biopsy
Breast Reconstruction
After your operation
Further Support
Help from Action Breast Cancer
Segmental excision/Wide local excision
This is the removal of the breast lump together with an area of
surrounding tissue. The axillary lymph nodes are also removed.
Radiotherapy is given to the breast following recovery from the
procedure.
Mastectomy
For some women, the most appropriate treatment is still a
. A simple total mastectomy removes only
the breast tissue. A modified radical mastectomy removes the
breast and lymph nodes.
Lymph node removal
Removal of the lymph nodes from the
is appropriate in many cases and is now commonly carried out.
In some situations, removal of some, rather than all, of the
nodes will be advisable. For most women this operation can be
performed without causing serious difficulty with shoulder movement,
or arm swelling.
Sentinel Biopsy
A new way of detecting cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes
is being carried out in some hospitals. This test is called a
sentinel node biopsy. The procedure involves injecting a small
amount of radioactive material and a dye that identifies the node to receive lymph node fluid from the tumour.
If this node is clear, it usually means that the other nodes
are clear. With this procedure, removal of all the lymph nodes
under the arm can be avoided for those patients whose sentinel
nodes are clear.
Breast Reconstruction
It is often possible for women who have had a mastectomy to have
breast reconstruction. Sometimes this can be done at the same
time as the mastectomy, but often it is done some months, or
even years after the original operation. If you would like to
consider breast reconstruction, discuss it with your doctor before
surgery so that he or she can tell you about the different methods
available. Further information on breast reconstruction is available
from National’s Cancer Helpline – Freefone 1800 200 700
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After your operation
You will be encouraged to get out of bed and start moving about
as soon as possible after your operation. You may have one or
two drainage tubes in place from the wound. These will usually
be removed a few days after the operation by the nurses on the
ward.
The length of your stay in hospital will vary according to the
type of surgery you have had. Following local excision your stay
will probably be quite short; after a mastectomy your stay could
be several days.
After your operation you may experience some pain or discomfort
which can continue for several weeks. There are various types of
painkilling drugs available which are very effective. If you do
have pain, at home or in hospital, it is important to tell your
doctor or nurse so that effective pain killers can be prescribed.
The surgeon may have removed the lymph nodes from under your arm,
in which case your hand and arm will be more vulnerable to infection.
Even a small cut or burn or graze can sometime lead to a condition
called lymphoedema which is a swelling of the hand and arm. For
further information, see the section on Avoiding Lymphoedema. Take
care of your hand and arm on the operation side, particularly when
gardening or when using sharp knives. Always wear rubber gloves
when washing up and use oven gloves when cooking.
If you do get any sign of swelling, pain or tenderness, ask your
doctor’s advice.
Before you leave hospital you will be given an appointment to
attend an outpatient clinic for your post-operative check up. This
is a good time to discuss any problems you have after your operation.
When you get home, do take things easy for a while. You may feel
physically and emotionally exhausted. Try to have long rest periods
and eat a well balanced diet – the hospital dietician can
provide guidelines if you wish. You will probably be advised not
to lift or carry anything heavy nor to drive for a few weeks.
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Further Support
You might find it easier to share your feelings with someone who
has had a similar experience to you. Reach to Recovery is a programme
set up to help and support women who have recently had a breast
cancer diagnosis. The programme works on the principle of personal
contact between the patient and a Reach to Recovery volunteer – a
woman who has treatment for breast cancer. Carefully selected and
fully trained volunteers are available to provide advice and reassurance
at a time when a woman is most in need of both. For more information
on individual support or support groups in your area, call the
National Cancer Freefone Helpline on 1800 200 700.
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Help from Action Breast Cancer
Action Breast Cancer is a national project established by the Irish
Cancer Society to provide breast cancer information and support
and to fund breast cancer research. Its services are free, confidential
and accessible.
For more information call the National Cancer Freefone Helpline
on 1800 200 700.
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ABC would like to thank CancerBACUP in the UK for their permission
to adapt the text of their booklet entitled Understanding Cancer
of the Breast
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