What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is one of the more common cancers in women, and it also affects a small number of men. Cancers grow when cells within the breast tissue mutate, which causes the cells to divide and multiply abnormally.
Instead of having a limited lifespan like healthy cells, cancer cells don't die off but continue to spread, creating masses or tumors. If breast cancer reaches an advanced stage, it can be fatal, but when treated in time by an expert oncology team, you have a good chance of recovery.
When might I need to undergo breast cancer surgery?
You may not need surgery straight away – it depends on which stage of breast cancer you have. Sometimes chemotherapy and radiation therapy are sufficient, but for many women, breast cancer surgery is an essential part of successful treatment.
If your oncologist advises surgery for your breast cancer, you might need to undergo chemotherapy first for a large tumor. This helps to shrink the mass so that Dr. Mullangi can preserve your breast during surgery.
What does breast cancer surgery involve?
The technique Dr. Mullangi uses to perform your breast cancer surgery depends on factors such as the size of the tumor, where it is, whether the cancer has spread (metastasized), and your personal feelings. Options include:
Lumpectomy
A lumpectomy or partial mastectomy involves removing the tumor and some of the normal tissue surrounding the lump. The aim is to save as much of your breast as possible. Lumpectomy is particularly suitable for women with small, early-stage breast cancers.
Simple or total mastectomy
To perform a total mastectomy, Dr. Mullangi removes your entire breast but leaves the lymph nodes under your arm. Dr. Mullangi uses nipple-sparing techniques wherever possible to preserve your nipple and areola.
Modified radical mastectomy
Dr. Mullangi might sometimes have to remove all the breast tissue, the nipple, and lymph nodes. He leaves your chest muscles intact. Radical mastectomies, which also remove the muscles under your breast, are uncommon.
What happens after breast cancer surgery?
After a lumpectomy, you would typically undergo a four- or five-week course of radiation therapy. This treats any stray cancer cells in the remaining breast tissue. Sometimes it's possible to use brachytherapy, where radioactive material goes into your breast during your surgery.
While one of Dr. Mullangi's primary aims is to preserve as much of your breast as possible, it's vital that he doesn't risk leaving any cancerous tissue behind. Depending on how much tissue he has to remove, you might need reconstructive surgery to restore a natural breast shape.
To find out more about breast cancer surgery and schedule a consultation, call Siva Prasad Mullangi, MD, today or book an appointment online.
