1. The Types of Mastectomy
The two most common types of mastectomy are subcutaneous and total. A subcutaneous mastectomy removes only the breast tissue, leaving the skin mostly intact. It is less invasive than a traditional or total mastectomy but does not include removing any lymph nodes under your arm. Total or simple mastectomy involves removing all of the breast tissue – fatty, glandular, and skin tissues – as well as some or all of the lymph nodes that drain fluid from your breast to your other organs. There is also the option that keeps the nipple intact, which more and more women opt for. This surgery will leave you with an obvious scar around where your nipple used to be. Some women also receive plastic surgery after this procedure to restore their breasts’ appearance.
What Other Options Are Available?
A lumpectomy is often an option before surgery if there are only a few spots of cancer. It targets the tumor while preserving most of your breast tissue, though you might have to undergo radiation treatment afterward. Breast-sparing procedures like augmentation or reconstruction can also be done concurrently with a mastectomy to prevent future surgeries. This will depend on whether or not you plan on having children and how developed your breasts are beforehand. Additionally, nipple prosthetics may be used during these surgeries if they aren’t already removed during the mastectomy process.
2. When Should I Opt for Mastectomy Over Lumpectomy?
Lumpectomies are ideal when there is only one spot or small area of cancerous tumors. While a lumpectomy does remove the tumor, it might not be enough to ensure it won’t return. In this case, you should opt for a mastectomy to avoid having to have additional surgeries in the future. Also, if the entire tumor cannot be removed by the surgery, you should opt for a mastectomy to ensure all cancerous cells are destroyed. There is a greater chance that a large percentage of the breast tissue will be removed, including the nipple, however, more and more surgeons nowadays are skillful enough to help you keep the nipple and proper blood flow in the breast tissue. Either way, your doctor is the one who can best give you advice on what you need to be done.
3. How Long Does Mastectomy Take?
Mastectomies typically take between one and four hours, depending on whether or not you also need lymph node removal. Some patients may experience side effects like nausea, pain after surgery, or blood clots that could last as long as six months following the procedure. The procedure requires a short hospital stay of up to five days.
Surgery Preparation
Typically, you’ll need to follow up with your doctor and take some tests before your surgery. You may also want to cleanse your body of medications like vitamins and supplements that could interfere with the procedure three days before surgery. Typical surgery preparation also requires shaving the area where your lymph nodes will be removed and avoiding salt, caffeine, spices, and other foods that might make you bloated during surgery. Lastly, women should avoid deodorant for five days before surgery to prevent irritation.
4. Recovery Time Is Around 2 Weeks
If you have a subcutaneous or total mastectomy without lymph node removal, recovery time should take just two weeks. If you have a breast-sparing procedure done at the same time as your mastectomy, it can add another week to the recovery period. While there is some pain following surgery, this should go away after taking an over-the-counter pain reliever for a couple of days – do not take medication stronger than ibuprofen until you’ve spoken with your doctor. Your stitches will then dissolve or break down in about three weeks when you can start showering again. The first week of recovery should consist of little to no physical activity. Your doctor might even recommend placing a surgical bra on your body to help reduce swelling and support the incision site.
The second week of recovery is meant for physical therapy or light workouts that gradually get more strenuous. This includes exercise videos specifically designed for post-mastectomy patients. Most women can resume work within two weeks, though they should refrain from any heavy lifting or strenuous tasks involving the affected area until at least three weeks after surgery. You can also expect some numbness in your armpit area until six months have passed.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all this new information, don’t fret! Mastectomy is not a decision to take lightly, but it’s a very common procedure that often has a high rate of success. If you’re worried, consult your doctor and learn what you can about the procedure beforehand to get an idea of what to expect from this type of surgery.