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Why is a mastectomy often the best choice of treatment for breast cancer?
GaleEncyofMedicine
Large tumors are difficult to remove with good cosmetic results. This is especially true if the woman has small breasts.
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∙ 13y ago
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Why might an individual with breast cancer choose to undergo a lumpectomy instead of a mastectomy?
For early breast cancer, a lumpectomy plus radiation therapy might be a could choice. Studies have shown that women who choose to have a lumpectomy and radiation therapy have a lower death rate than those that chose to have a mastectomy.
When would a mastectomy be necessary?
A mastectomy becomes necessary when a woman or a man have been diagnosed with breast cancer. It is a choice of the person diagnosed to decide whether they should have this procedure performed, but sometimes the person is left with no choices as the cancer has spread too far.
How does family history impact a woman's choice for breast cancer treatment?
Women with a strong family history of breast cancer and/or who test positive for a known cancer-causing gene may choose to have both breasts removed.
Is breast cancer hard to get rid of?
The difficulty of treating and "getting rid of" breast cancer can vary widely depending on several factors, including the stage at which it is diagnosed, the specific type of breast cancer, and individual factors such as the patient's overall health and response to treatment. Here are some key factors that influence the treatment and outcomes of breast cancer: Stage of Diagnosis: Breast cancer is typically categorized into stages, ranging from stage 0 (early, localized cancer) to stage IV (advanced cancer that has spread to distant organs). The earlier breast cancer is detected (in stages 0 to II), the more likely it is to be treated successfully. Early-stage breast cancer is often curable with appropriate treatment. Type of Breast Cancer: There are different types of breast cancer, including invasive ductal carcinoma (the most common), invasive lobular carcinoma, and various subtypes. The type of breast cancer can influence treatment decisions and outcomes. Hormone Receptor Status: The presence of hormone receptors (estrogen and progesterone receptors) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status can guide treatment choices. Hormone receptor-positive breast cancer and HER2-positive breast cancer may respond differently to targeted therapies. Treatment Modalities: Breast cancer treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, depending on the individual case. The choice of treatments depends on the specific characteristics of the cancer. Response to Treatment: Some breast cancers respond well to treatment and may shrink or disappear completely, while others may be more resistant to therapy. Response to treatment varies from person to person. Genetic and Molecular Factors: Genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, can increase the risk of breast cancer and influence treatment decisions. Overall Health: A patient's overall health, including any underlying medical conditions, can impact their ability to tolerate and respond to treatment. Timeliness of Diagnosis and Treatment: Timely diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment are crucial for improving outcomes. Delayed diagnosis or treatment can make treatment more challenging. Follow-Up and Monitoring: After initial treatment, breast cancer patients often require long-term follow-up and monitoring to detect and manage any potential recurrences or side effects. It's important to emphasize that advances in breast cancer research and treatment have significantly improved the outlook for many breast cancer patients. With early detection and access to appropriate therapies, many individuals with breast cancer can achieve long-term survival and even remission. Breast cancer is a highly treatable disease, especially when detected at an early stage. Regular breast cancer screenings and awareness of breast health are essential for early detection and successful treatment. Consulting with a healthcare provider and oncology team can provide personalized guidance and treatment options based on individual circumstances.
Methods of treating breast cancer?
There are various breast cancer treatments that are available. They include radiation, surgery, chemotherapy and hormonal treatment. The treatments are adjuvantly administered so as to be more effective. It is very confusing for a breast cancer patient to make a choice of treatment from the options available. Therefore, it is important for one to understand the treatment options. There is a local treatment that is done on the breast, local lymphatic tissues or adjacent lymphatic tissues close to the tumor location. Another treatment of breast cancer is the systematic treatments. The treatment is normally involve the whole body and is aimed at preventing the spread of the cancerous cells. Another breast cancer treatment is the alternative therapy. It is considered to be holistic approach of breast cancer treatment. However, the method has not been proven to cure the cancer. Surgery has been considered to be the first line treatment of breast cancer for a long period of time. The surgeons have the expertise to precisely carry out the surgery in a particular area that has the tumor cells and the surrounding tissue. Nowadays, mastectomy is not conducted since it left the patients deformed. The surgery considered to be the most suitable is the breast conserving surgery. The surgery is referred to as lumptectomy. Tumor removal is the only procedure done in this type of surgery. Once the surgical procedure is done, radiotherapy is done to prevent the recurrence of the cancer. It involves a series of radiation treatment. In radiation therapy, a high powered Gamma and X rays are directed to the area of concerned. It is normally administered after the surgery. Finally, there is hormone therapy. Some of the breast cancers tend to be hormone receptor positive. If the hormone estrogen is present, the cancer is likely to enlarge and spread to other parts. The most commonly used anti-estrogen hormone drug formulation is the Tamoxifen. However, there are drugs that have been proven to work better than the drug. They are referred to as aromatase inhibitors. Therefore, there is hope for the breast cancer patients though it is important to start the treatment at an early stage of the disease development.
How do you cure secondary breast cancer?
Secondary breast cancer, also known as metastatic breast cancer, occurs when breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, typically the bones, liver, lungs, or brain. Unlike early-stage breast cancer, which is often treated with curative intent, the goal of treatment for metastatic breast cancer is typically to manage the disease, control symptoms, and improve the patient's quality of life. While it may not be curable in the traditional sense, it can be treated and managed effectively to extend survival and provide relief from symptoms. Here are some key treatment approaches for secondary breast cancer: Systemic Therapy: Hormone Therapy: If the breast cancer is hormone receptor-positive, hormone therapy can be used to block the hormones (estrogen and progesterone) that fuel the cancer's growth. Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapies, such as HER2-targeted drugs like trastuzumab (Herceptin), are used for HER2-positive breast cancer. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be prescribed to slow the progression of the cancer, reduce symptoms, and improve the patient's quality of life. Immunotherapy: Some immunotherapy drugs are being studied for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy may be used to alleviate symptoms and manage pain in cases of metastatic breast cancer that has spread to the bones or other areas. Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be recommended to address specific complications or relieve symptoms. For example, surgery may be performed to stabilize bones affected by cancer metastasis (bone metastases). Clinical Trials: Participation in clinical trials can provide access to new and experimental treatments that may be more effective in managing metastatic breast cancer. Palliative Care: Palliative care focuses on improving the patient's quality of life by managing symptoms, providing pain relief, and offering emotional and psychological support. It is an essential component of care for metastatic breast cancer patients. Lifestyle and Supportive Care: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing side effects of treatment, and seeking emotional support through counseling or support groups can contribute to the overall well-being of patients with metastatic breast cancer. It's important to note that treatment plans for metastatic breast cancer are highly individualized. The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the type of breast cancer, the extent of metastasis, the patient's overall health, and their treatment goals. Patients with metastatic breast cancer often receive ongoing care and may transition between different treatments as needed. While metastatic breast cancer may not be curable in the traditional sense, advancements in treatment have led to improved outcomes and longer survival for many patients. The focus of treatment is on extending life, managing symptoms, and maintaining the best possible quality of life for individuals living with metastatic breast cancer. Regular communication with a healthcare team and access to supportive care services are crucial aspects of managing this condition.
What would the doctors do if a pregnant woman is diagnosed with cancer?
The woman has to choose delay cancer treatment and deliver the baby or stop the pregnancy and receive cancer treatment. It's a difficult choice. Sorry -joymaker rn
What is the best prognosis doctor for a patient with liver cancer?
I suggest to find a doctor that specializes in liver cancer, and get them to do a prognosis for you. You can also call a cancer treatment center or visit them. That may be the best choice.
Mastectomy?
DefinitionA mastectomy is surgery to remove the entire breast. It is usually done to treat breast cancer.Alternative NamesBreast removal surgery; Subcutaneous mastectomy; Total mastectomy; Simple mastectomy; Modified radical mastectomyDescriptionYou will be given general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). The surgeon will make an elliptical cut in your breast:For a subcutaneous mastectomy, the surgeon removes the entire breast but leaves the nipple and areola (the pigmented circle around the nipple) in place.For a total or simple mastectomy, the surgeon cuts breast tissue free from the skin and muscle and removes it. The nipple and the areola are also removed. The surgeon may do a biopsy of nearby lymph nodes to see if the cancer has spread.For a modified radical mastectomy, the surgeon removes the entire breast along with the lining over some of the muscles. Some of the lymph nodes underneath the arm are also removed.For a radical mastectomy, the surgeon removes the overlying skin, all of the lymph nodes underneath the arm, and the chest muscles. This surgery is not done unless breast cancer has spread to your chest wall muscles.The skin is closed with sutures (stitches) or tape (Steri-Strips).One or two small plastic drains or tubes are usually left in your chest to remove extra fluid from where the breast tissue used to be.Your surgeon may be able to reconstruct the breast (with artificial implants or tissue from your own body) during the same operation. You may also choose to have reconstruction later.See also:Breast reconstruction - natural tissueBreast reconstruction - implantsMastectomy generally takes 1 to 3 hours.Why the Procedure Is PerformedWOMAN DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCERThe most common reason for a mastectomy is breast cancer. Mastectomy may treat several types of breast cancer: invasive ductal carcinoma, invasive lobular carcinoma, medullary carcinoma, mucinous and tubular carcinomas, inflammatory carcinoma, Paget's disease, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS).If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, talk to your doctor about your choices:Surgery where only the breast cancer and tissue around the cancer are removed. This is called breast conservation therapy (breast lump removal). Part of your breast will be left.Mastectomy: all breast tissue is removed.You and your doctor must consider:The size of your tumor, where in your breast it is located, whether you have more than one tumor in your breast, how much of your breast the cancer affects, and the size of your breastsYour age, family history, overall health, and whether you have reached menopauseWhether the cancer has spread to your lymph nodes or other parts of the bodyThe type of breast cancer you have. This is important because some types of breast cancer are more likely to spread or come back.The choice of what is best for you can be difficult. Sometimes, your doctor may recommend one type of surgery. This is because your doctor can tell you what is known about the type of cancer you have and your risk factors. Other times, your doctor will talk with you about two or more surgical treatments that would be good for your cancer.WOMEN AT HIGH RISK FOR BREAST CANCERYour doctor may do either a subcutaneous or total mastectomy to reduce your risk of breast cancer if you are at very high risk of developing breast cancer. This is called prophylactic mastectomy.You may have a higher risk of getting breast cancer if one close family relative, or more, has had breast cancer, especially at an early age. Genetic tests (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2) may also show you have a high risk. This surgery should be done only after very careful thought and discussion with your doctor, a genetic counselor, your family, and others.Mastectomy greatly reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of breast cancer.RisksRisks for any surgery are:Blood clots in the legs that may travel to the lungsBreathing problemsInfection, including in the surgical wound, lungs (pneumonia), bladder, or kidneyBlood lossHeart attack or stroke during surgeryReactions to medicationsThe risks for breast removal are:Skin loss or long-term wounds on the chest wallBleeding into the area where the breast used to be. Sometimes a second operation is needed to control bleeding.Risks when you have lymph nodes removed during surgery are:Shoulder pain and stiffness occur in most women. Some may have severe stabbing or burning pain. They may also feel pins and needles where the breast used to be and underneath their arm.Swelling of the arm (called lymphedema) on the same side as the breast that is removed. This swelling is not common, but it can be an ongoing problem.Damage to nerves. This may cause numbing on the inside of the arm or weakness in muscles of the back and chest wall.There are also risks related to breast reconstructive surgery.Before the ProcedureYou will have many blood and imaging tests (such as CT scans, bone scans, and chest x-ray) after your doctor finds breast cancer. Your surgeon will want to know whether your cancer has spread to the liver, lungs, bones, or somewhere else.Always tell your doctor or nurse if:You could be pregnant.You are taking any drugs or herbs you bought without a prescription.During the week before the surgery:Several days before your surgery, you may be asked to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), vitamin E, clopidogrel (Plavix), warfarin (Coumadin), and any other drugs that make it hard for your blood to clot.Ask your doctor which drugs you should still take on the day of the surgery.On the day of the surgery:Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the surgery.Take your drugs your doctor told you to take with a small sip of water.Shower the night before or the morning of the procedure.Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to arrive at the hospital.After the ProcedureYou may stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days, depending on the type of surgery you had. If you have a simple mastectomy, you may go home on the same day. Most women go home after 1 to 2 days. You may stay longer if you have breast reconstruction.Many women go home with drains still in their chest. The doctor then removes them later during an office visit.You may have pain around the site of your incision after surgery.Fluid may collect in your armpit. This is called a seroma and is relatively common. It usually goes away on its own, but it may need to be drain.Outlook (Prognosis)Most women recover well after mastectomy.In addition to surgery, you may need other treatments for breast cancer. These treatments may include hormonal therapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. All have their own side effects. Talk to your doctor.Your breast cancer may respond differently to surgery and other treatments for many reasons. Talk to your doctor about these reasons.ReferencesRobson M and Offit K. Clinical practice. Management of an inherited predisposition to breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2007;357(2):154-162.Khatcheressian JL, Wolff AC, Smith TJ, Grunfeld E, Muss HB, Vogel VG, et al. American Society of Clinical Oncology 2006 update of the breast cancer follow-up and management guidelines in the adjuvant setting. J Clin Oncol. 2006;24(31):5091-5097.Abeloff MD, Wolff AC, Weber BL, Zaks TZ, Sacchini V, McCormick B. Cancer of the breast. In: Abeloff MD, Armitage JO, Niederhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKena WG, eds. Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 95.Iglehart JD, Smith BL. Diseases of the breast. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 34.
What is the treatment for Head and neck cancer?
The cancers can be treated successfully if diagnosed early. The choice of treatment depends on the size of the tumor, its location, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.
What are the treatments for breast cancer?
The treatment options for thyroid cancer can vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the individual's overall health and preferences. The main treatments for thyroid cancer include: Surgery: Surgery is the primary treatment for most thyroid cancers. The extent of surgery depends on the size and location of the tumor. Options include: Thyroidectomy: This is the removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. It can be a lobectomy (removal of one lobe) or a total thyroidectomy (removal of the entire gland). Lymph node removal: If cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, they may also be removed during surgery. Radioactive Iodine (RAI) Therapy: After surgery, RAI therapy may be used to destroy any remaining thyroid tissue and cancer cells. Thyroid cells absorb iodine, so RAI is effective in targeting any remnants of thyroid tissue. RAI therapy is more commonly used for well-differentiated thyroid cancers (papillary and follicular types). External Beam Radiation Therapy: This treatment involves using high-energy X-rays to target and destroy cancer cells. It is typically used if cancer has spread beyond the thyroid or if RAI therapy is not effective. Targeted Drug Therapy: In cases of advanced or recurrent thyroid cancer that doesn't respond to other treatments, targeted therapies like tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., sorafenib, lenvatinib) may be used. These drugs can inhibit the growth of cancer cells by targeting specific signaling pathways. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is not commonly used for most types of thyroid cancer, but it might be considered for more aggressive and less common types that do not respond to other treatments. Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy: After thyroidectomy, patients will need to take synthetic thyroid hormone medications (such as levothyroxine) to replace the hormones normally produced by the thyroid. This also helps suppress the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which can potentially stimulate any remaining thyroid cancer cells. Watchful Waiting: For some low-risk papillary microcarcinomas, especially in elderly patients, watchful waiting (active surveillance) might be considered. This involves monitoring the cancer without immediate treatment. The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the type of thyroid cancer, its stage, the patient's age, overall health, and preferences. It's important for individuals diagnosed with thyroid cancer to work closely with a multidisciplinary team of doctors, including endocrinologists, surgeons, oncologists, and radiation therapists, to develop a personalized treatment plan that offers the best possible outcome.
Is it ok to sleep without a bra after a mastectomy?
No it is not bad to sleep without a bra. If you wish to sleep while wearing a bra that is your choice.
