A mastectomy is usually performed under general anesthesia, so you're not aware during the surgery. Your surgeon starts by making an elliptical incision around your breast. The breast tissue is removed and, depending on your procedure, other parts of the breast also may be removed. Regardless of the type of mastectomy you have, the breast tissue and lymph nodes that are removed will be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
If you're having breast reconstruction at the same time as a mastectomy, the plastic surgeon will coordinate with the breast surgeon to be available at the time of surgery. One option for breast reconstruction involves placing temporary tissue expanders in the chest. These temporary expanders will form the new breast mound. For women who will have radiation therapy after surgery, one option is to place temporary tissue expanders in the chest to hold the breast skin in place.
This allows you to delay final breast reconstruction until after radiation therapy. If you're planning to have radiation therapy after surgery, meet with a radiation oncologist before surgery to discuss benefits and risks, as well as how radiation will impact your breast reconstruction options.
As the surgery is completed, the incision is closed with stitches sutures , which either dissolve or are removed later. You might also have one or two small plastic tubes placed where your breast was removed. The tubes will drain any fluids that accumulate after surgery.
The tubes are sewn into place, and the ends are attached to a small drainage bag. The results of your pathology report should be available within a week or two after your mastectomy. At your follow-up visit, your doctor can explain the report. Explore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions. Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care like they've never experienced.
See the stories of satisfied Mayo Clinic patients. Twin Cities journalist Sonya Goins, like so many, has been coping with the challenges that have come with the COVID pandemic, such as working remotely and not being able to see family and friends. If all of that weren't difficult enough, for the past year, she's also been battling breast cancer and Crohn's disease at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.
Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Mastectomy Open pop-up dialog box Close. Mastectomy During a total simple mastectomy, the surgeon removes the breast tissue, nipple, areola and skin. The latest on newly diagnosed breast cancer Up-to-date information on recurrent breast cancer Specialized treatment information for high risk breast cancer Error Select a topic.
Try to engage in enjoyable activities, such as reading, socializing, and hobbies. If feelings of constant low mood persist for 2 weeks or more, it is best to speak to a doctor or therapist. It can also be helpful to join a support group to meet other people who are in a similar situation. The Breast Cancer Healthline app provides people with access to an online breast cancer community, where users can connect with others and gain advice and support through group discussions.
Recovery from a double mastectomy takes time. The recovery process varies from person to person and involves both physical and emotional changes. Before the surgery, a person can prepare as much as possible and ask family and friends to support them throughout the process.
People who have any concerns about the recovery process should speak to a doctor. Read this article in Spanish. Stage 4 breast cancer occurs when cancer spreads to distant parts of the body.
Learn more about the symptoms, outlook, and treatment options here. There are two main types of HER2-negative breast cancer: Hormone receptor-positive and triple-negative. Many treatments exist, and outlook varies. A new study proposes new breast cancer screening standards for Black women to address the disparities that racism causes. Discuss returning to work with us.
Diet You may resume your regular diet as soon as you can take fluids after recovering from anesthesia. We encourage eight to 10 glasses of water and non-caffeinated beverages per day, plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as lower fat foods.
Talk with us about recommendations for healthy eating. A nutritionist is available for consultation in the Breast Care Center. Call the front desk to schedule an appointment. Follow-Up Care The pathology results from your surgery should be available within one week after your surgery.
We will contact you by telephone with the results or will inform you at your post-operative visit. Please let us know the telephone number where you may be reached with the results. Follow-up appointments are generally made before surgery with your physician and a nurse.
Your sutures will be removed in approximately 10 to 14 days. Call the Breast Care Center if you do not have or remember your appointment. Your dressing will be changed or removed at your post-operative visit. When to Contact Us Contact us for the following problems, any unanswered questions and emotional support needs. Pain that is not relieved by medication Fever more than degrees Fahrenheit or chills Excessive bleeding, such as a bloody dressing Excessive swelling Redness outside the dressing Discharge or bad odor from the wound Allergic or other reactions to medication s Constipation Anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, need more support Previous: Mastectomy: Instructions Before Surgery.
Recommended reading. Basic Facts About Breast Health Learn basic facts about breast structure and function and how to differentiate between the different types and stages of breast cancer. Breast Cancer Glossary Check out our comprehensive Glossary of Breast Cancer terminology, which includes definitions of everything from AC chemotherapy to peripheral neuropathy. Breast Cancer Risk Factors Click now to find a summary of the factors that increase risk for developing breast cancer, including both factors that we cannot change and those we can.
Breast Reconstruction Breast reconstruction, surgery to rebuild a breast's shape, is often an option after mastectomy and is covered by some health insurance plans. Follow-Up Care for Breast Cancer Patients After patients have completed treatment for early stage breast cancer, one of the common questions is, "How should I best be monitored? Mastectomy: Instructions Before Surgery The following information will help you prepare for your upcoming Mastectomy surgery.
Menopause and Breast Cancer Breast cancer treatment often causes women to enter menopause prematurely. Metastatic Breast Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment Metastatic breast cancer is cancer that originated in the breast and has spread to other organ systems in the body.
You'll usually be fitted with a longer-term prosthesis and given advice on bra fitting 6 to 8 weeks after the operation. Get advice from your doctor or nurse about when to start driving. Generally, you should be OK to drive if you can make an emergency stop without discomfort in the wound.
Some people are able to drive about 3 weeks after the operation, but it may be sooner or later than this depending on how you feel. Some insurance companies will not insure drivers for a number of weeks after surgery, so you may want to check your policy. You can return to work when you feel up to it. Taking 4 to 8 weeks off is fairly typical, but it varies from person to person. Recovering from a mastectomy can be emotionally difficult. You may find it helpful, before and after your mastectomy, to talk to others who have had the operation.
You can get information on contacting others who have had a mastectomy from your doctor or nurse, or from organisations such as:. Find cancer support services near you. Page last reviewed: 07 April Next review due: 07 April The operation takes about 90 minutes, and most people go home the following day. It can take 4 to 6 weeks to recover from a mastectomy. When is a mastectomy recommended?
A mastectomy may be recommended if: cancer is in a large area of the breast cancer has spread throughout the breast the breast is full of pre-cancerous cells Some women at high risk of breast cancer choose to have a mastectomy even when there's no sign of cancer.
Preparing for a mastectomy Before having a mastectomy, you will have the opportunity to discuss the operation with a specialist breast care nurse or surgeon. You'll get practical advice about bras and bra inserts, if you need them. The operation A mastectomy is carried out under general anaesthetic , so you'll be asleep while it happens.
0コメント