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Dr. Poyrazoğlu

Breast Surgery

Surgical Treatment of Breast Cancer and Benign Breast Diseases

What is Breast Surgery?

Breast surgery includes the surgical removal of benign or malignant (cancerous) masses in breast tissue for diagnostic and treatment purposes. General surgeons are an important part of the multidisciplinary team in the treatment of breast cancer and other breast diseases. Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women. With early diagnosis and appropriate surgical treatment, the chance of cure is quite high. In breast cancer treatment, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies can be used together. Benign breast diseases (fibroadenoma, cyst, papilloma) are usually permanently treated with surgical excision. Excision biopsy (surgical removal and pathological examination) of suspicious masses is the gold standard for definitive diagnosis.

Who Needs It?

Breast surgery may be applied in the following conditions:

  • Patients diagnosed with breast cancer by biopsy
  • Suspicious masses with mammography or ultrasound findings BI-RADS 4-5
  • Benign breast diseases (fibroadenoma, large cyst, papilloma)
  • Recurrent breast infections (mastitis, abscess)
  • BRCA gene mutation carriers (for prophylactic mastectomy)
  • Breast mass growth or painful breast nodule
  • High-risk patients with family history
  • Patients diagnosed with atypical hyperplasia or LCIS

Surgical Methods

Modern techniques used in breast surgery include:

Lumpectomy (Breast-Conserving Surgery)

Only the tumor and surrounding healthy tissue (safe surgical margin) are removed. Most of the breast is preserved. Preferred in early-stage breast cancer (Stage I-II) and small tumors.

  • ✓Usually combined with radiotherapy
  • ✓Better cosmetic result - breast preserved
  • ✓Short hospital stay (1 day)
  • ✓Similar survival rates to mastectomy
  • ✓Less psychological trauma

Mastectomy (Complete Breast Tissue Removal)

All breast tissue and usually the nipple are removed. Performed in advanced cancer, multifocal tumor (multiple foci), large tumor, BRCA gene mutation carrier, or patient preference.

  • ✓Local recurrence risk very low
  • ✓Radiotherapy need may be reduced
  • ✓Breast reconstruction option available
  • ✓Bilateral mastectomy can be done prophylactically
  • ✓Assurance of complete cancer tissue removal

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

Removal and examination of the sentinel lymph node, the first site of breast cancer spread. If no cancer metastasis, other lymph nodes not removed, reducing lymphedema risk.

  • ✓Minimizes lymphedema risk
  • ✓Definitive diagnosis of node involvement
  • ✓Can be completed with axillary dissection if needed
  • ✓Modern sentinel node mapping techniques

Expected Results

Data from the medical literature on breast surgery. Outcomes depend on stage and individual condition:

  • 5-year survival in early-stage breast cancer is reported at 90% or above in the literature
  • Breast preservation and good cosmetic result with lumpectomy
  • 90% reduction in lymphedema risk with sentinel node biopsy
  • Reduced recurrence risk with modern radiotherapy techniques
  • Improved quality of life with reconstruction after mastectomy
  • Comprehensive oncologic care with multidisciplinary treatment

This information is for general informational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your specialist doctor for your personal health condition. Surgery results vary from patient to patient.

Recovery Process

Hospital Stay (1-3 Days)

Lumpectomy: Discharged same day or 1 day later. Mastectomy: Drain placed, 2-3 days hospital stay. Pain medication use, mild swelling and numbness in arm considered normal.

First Week

Drain care (if present). Wound care and dressing. Light arm movements started. Avoid heavy lifting. Pain control maintained.

First Month

Physiotherapy and arm exercises begin. Pathology results evaluated. Additional treatment (radiotherapy, chemotherapy) planned by oncology council decision. Lymphedema prevention training provided.

Long-term Follow-up

Every 3 months for first 2 years. Every 6 months for next 3 years. Annual checkups after 5th year. Mammography, ultrasound, and MRI if necessary. Psychological support services.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does breast surgery take?

Lumpectomy surgery usually takes 1-2 hours. Mastectomy surgery can take 2-3 hours. Adding sentinel lymph node biopsy may extend the time by 30-60 minutes. If performed with breast reconstruction, total time can be up to 4-6 hours. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia.

What is the difference between lumpectomy and mastectomy?

Lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery): Only the tumor and surrounding healthy tissue removed, most of breast preserved. Preferred in early-stage breast cancer and usually combined with radiotherapy. Mastectomy: All breast tissue removed. Performed in advanced cancer, multifocal tumor, or patient preference. Breast reconstruction option available after mastectomy. Both methods have similar survival rates.

Will there be pain after surgery?

Moderate pain in the first 2-3 days after surgery is normal. With modern pain control methods, this pain is easily controlled. Numbness and pulling sensation in the arm may last for several weeks. Pain after lumpectomy is usually milder. More discomfort may be felt after mastectomy but controlled with pain medications. Chronic pain is rare.

When can I return to normal life after surgery?

After lumpectomy, you can return to light activities within 1-2 weeks. After mastectomy, 2-4 weeks may be needed. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise prohibited for 4-6 weeks. Return to work varies between 2-6 weeks depending on surgery type and physical requirements of your job. To drive, you must have full range of motion in your arm (usually 2-3 weeks). Your doctor will give you specific recommendations.

How is breast reconstruction performed?

Breast reconstruction is aesthetic surgery that can be performed after mastectomy. Two main methods: 1) Implant reconstruction: Silicone or saline implant placed. 2) Autologous tissue: Breast shaped using patient's own tissue (abdomen, back muscles) (TRAM, DIEP flap). Reconstruction can be done simultaneously with mastectomy (immediate) or later (delayed). Nipple and areola can also be created later. Reconstruction supports psychological recovery.

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