About 1 in 8 women develops breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.
In these patients, in case of removing the whole breast (mastectomy), the breast reconstruction option stands out as part of the treatment. Medicana International Ankara Hospital Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Specialist Assoc.Dr.Serhan Tuncer stated that a significant number of breast cancer patients are unaware that mastectomy could be performed concurrently with breast reconstruction or they avoid breast reconstruction because of the anxiety of the disease. On the other hand, breast reconstruction comes to the rescue of the women so that the patients can live a quality, physical and psychological and social life.
On the Breast Cancer Awareness Month Assoc.Dr.Serhan Tuncer stated that breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women after skin cancer. He also added that “Breast cancer is now recognized as a treatable disease because of its early diagnosis and treatment. Breast reconstruction can be performed for every breast cancer patient unless there is a medical problem. While disease is been treating on the one hand, on the other hand, the patient is provided with a quality, physical, psychological and social life. The breast surgeon, plastic surgeon, oncologist, and the patient decide together which patient will be performed breast reconstruction when and with which method.”
It’s Never Too Late For Breast Reconstruction
Tuncer pointed out that breast reconstruction can be immediately performed at early stage of cancer.
He also added that “Breast reconstruction is postponed the date if the disease is at an advanced stage and requires additional treatment such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy after surgery. In this case, the patient’s treatment is expected to be completed and after the diagnosis, approximately 1 year is expected to pass. After mastectomy whether 20 days or 20 years, it is never too late for breast reconstruction. Very positive results are obtained with application of breast reconstruction in the late period.”
Which Methods Are Applied ?
Assoc.Dr.Serhan Tuncer, explained the methods used in the repair:
“Breast reconstruction methods can be considered as reconstruction with silicone prosthesis, reconstruction with the patient’s own tissue and reconstructions using both methods. In particular, when breast is removed, simultaneous reconstruction is performed in case of the breast skin and nipple are protected and surgery is directly performed with silicone prostheses. Sometimes a section of the nipple and breast skin should be taken. In this case, where the breast skin is not adequate, a hollow silicone balloon is used which serves as a tissue expander and external blowing is carried out for about 2-3 months. After obtaining sufficient skin width, this temporary balloon is removed by a second operation approximately 4-5 months after the first operation and breast reconstruction is completed by replacing a permanent prosthesis. Since the breast tissue and skin are completely removed in late stage patients, reconstruction methods with the patient’s own tissues are preferred. For this reason, the skin and subcutaneous adipose tissues of the patient’s abdomen are transported by microsurgical method and are used in formation of breast. In this way, the patient gains both breast tissue and also gets rid of excess and drooping tissues in the abdomen. In some cases, skin tissue of the person’s back, and skin tissue of the person’s breast are used to make the breast. Usually a silicone prosthesis should be placed under this tissue. Therefore, this method can be defined as the method in which the prosthesis is used together with the patient’s own tissue. Breast tip and nipple are made after all stages of breast reconstruction are finished in breast-treated patients. The tip is made of the skin on the tissue formed. The aerola is created by tattoo which is designed specifically for this process. Patients who have undergone breast reconstruction feel themselves healthier, both physically and spiritually. They more easily overcome their illnesses and whole process, feel more comfortable in their social life, in business life and relationships.”