Breast Cancer and Breast Surgery
Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis raises many questions and concerns for most women. Questions such as “Will I need surgery?”, “Will my entire breast be removed?”, and “How will my treatment proceed?” are quite natural during this process. However, every patient’s treatment plan for breast cancer is unique. A personalized approach is determined by evaluating the type and stage of the disease, the characteristics of the tumor, and the patient’s overall health.
What Is Breast Cancer Surgery?
Breast cancer surgery is one of the treatment approaches aimed at removing cancerous tissue through surgical methods. How the surgery is performed is determined based on the tumor’s size and location, the extent of the disease’s spread, and other clinical evaluations.
While in some patients it may be possible to remove only the tumorous tissue, in other cases more extensive surgery may be necessary. Therefore, when referring to “breast cancer surgery,” one should not assume that the same procedure will be performed for every patient.
When Is Surgery Considered for Breast Diseases?
Not every lump found in the breast indicates cancer. However, it is important to undergo the necessary evaluations when a lump, a change in shape, a skin abnormality, a change in the nipple, or other suspicious findings are observed in the breast.
In the evaluation of breast diseases, diagnostic procedures such as biopsies may be used in conjunction with physical examinations and imaging methods when necessary. Based on the results, a specialist physician determines whether surgical treatment is necessary.
Accurate Assessment Is Crucial in Breast Cancer Treatment
Breast cancer treatment may not consist solely of surgery. Depending on the patient’s condition, other cancer treatments may also be considered alongside surgical treatment. For this reason, it is important that the treatment plan be developed after evaluating all aspects of the disease.
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer or have a suspicious finding in your breast, you should remember that general information found online cannot replace personalized treatment recommendations.
Consulting with a specialist surgeon for an accurate diagnosis, proper evaluation, and a personalized treatment plan is one of the most important steps in the process. To learn more about breast cancer and breast surgery and to understand the evaluation process, please contact Asst. Prof. Dr. Süleyman Tümen.