Tips on How To Choose Breast Cancer Reconstruction Surgery

Women dealing with breast cancer have many things on their mind. How long will this affect them? Can their cancer be cured or will they suffer recurrences throughout their lives? Or is the cancer terminal? Will they lose a breast, or possibly both of them?

How is surgery used in breast cancer treatment?

Surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible is the primary treatment for breast cancer. There are various surgical options and choices. The type of surgery performed depends upon:

  • Size and location of the breast lump or tumor
  • Type and stage of the breast cancer
  • Size of the breast
  • Woman's preference

There are several types of breast surgery. Your physician can explain the benefits and risks of each type, in addition to answering any questions or concerns you may have prior to surgery.

Surgery is used very frequently in breast cancer. Sometimes a lumpectomy can be performed in which case the breast will be left intact and only the cancerous lump needs to be removed. Very often, though the entire breast needs to be removed. This is a painful and traumatic experience; not only because of the surgery itself but because of the scars and emptiness you face afterward.

Dealing with the loss of one or more breasts can be very difficult. Before surgery it is important to discuss options with your doctor for how to deal with the effects of the surgery. If you are interested in plastic surgery breast reconstruction there is a lot to learn and consider before you make your choice.

Many women do choose to undergo breast cancer reconstruction surgery. The idea of having at least some semblance of a breast is very important to them as part of their identity. In these cases there are two different types of plastic surgery breast reconstructions available, a expander/implant procedure or a flap procedure.

There are pros and cons of each type of breast cancer reconstruction surgery. Learning about each of them and discussing the matter with your doctor will help you come to the best decision for your situation and to meet your personal needs.

In both cases the surgery can be preformed directly after the mastectomy is completed, eliminating the need for an additional surgery. In the case of an implant, an expander is placed under the chest muscle and gradually expanded over time to make room for an implant which will be inserted with a further surgery at a later date.

With a flap procedure sections of muscle and fat are taken from the back, abdomen or buttocks and formed into a breast shape. This is then inserted in the breast flap to make a new breast.

With both types of breast cancer reconstruction surgery there are risks and disadvantages. Whether or not it is worth the benefit of having a new breast is up to you and your doctor to decide.

The alternate to breast reconstruction is to wear a prosthetic breast. This is a much simpler solution, of course, but some people do see down sides to it. For others, though, the benefits of the ease of this option far outweigh having a more permanent solution that carries so much painful recovery, scarring and risk.

Answers to common questions on breat cancer surgery

1. What diet you should take after breast cancer surgery?

Certain types of food can aid with the heal process. You should add enough vegetables into your meals as possible because they are filled with nutrients and vitamins that will speed up the healing process. Some experts suggest to use protein powder . Eating yogurt is a good way to help replenish beneficial bacteria and help your body absorb as much nutrients as possible from the food you eat. Multivitamins should only be thought as a supplement to food. If you find yourself unwilling or unable to eat, you might want to consider certain foods and drinks that are high in calories. Instead of water, try drinking fresh fruit juices. Some research suggests that diets enriched with soy protein decreased chronic post surgical pain. Click the link to know more Is a Special diet after breast cancer surgery necessary?

2. Can breast cancer surgery nurture new tumors?

Yes, according to indirect evidence from a new analysis of clinical trial data. The controversial theory comes from Michael Retsky, PhD, of Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School in Boston, and colleagues. "We say this is indirect evidence; we think this is a key to understanding the biology of breast cancer," Retsky tells WebMD. "We certainly do not suggest any changes in clinical practice based on this. We hope this will entice clinical and experimental people to test these hypotheses." Click here to read full article

3. What you should know before breast cancer reconstruction surgery in USA ?

Before proceeding with breast cancer reconstruction surgery, your surgeon should thoroughly discuss the options most suited to your body and tissue type, health, age, and objectives. You should frankly discuss your expectations for your procedure so your surgeon can give you a full and honest appraisal of whether your goals are attainable. Your surgeon should openly discuss the possible breast reconstruction risks and complications. Click the link to know more on breast cancer reconstruction surgery

4. Factors that Influence Breast Reconstruction Cost

The cost of breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy can vary greatly. Every patient who undergoes breast reconstruction surgery faces the cost of the surgeon's fees, blood and other laboratory tests, anesthesia, and surgical supplies. Click the link to know more breast reconstruction insurance and how to find a breast reconstruction surgeon

 

 

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