Diagnosis and Treatment Methods in Cancer – Oncological Surgery – Breast Surgery

Cancer is an important health problem that threatens the lives of millions of people worldwide. Continuously developed diagnostic and treatment methods to increase the success rate in cancer treatment and to improve the quality of life of patients form the basis of scientific studies in this field. In this context, oncological surgery, and especially breast surgery play a critical role in the fight against cancer. In this article we have written for you, we will try to answer questions about breast cancer and surgical methods.

What is Breast Surgery?

Breast surgery is the name given to all surgical methods used in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer or other breast diseases. In the treatment of breast cancer, surgery is applied to completely or partially remove cancerous cells from the body. Breast surgery can be performed with different techniques depending on the stage of the disease, the spread of cancer and the general health status of the patient.

What Is Done In The Breast Surgery Department?

In the breast surgery department, firstly, the stage and spread of the cancer are determined by applying appropriate diagnostic methods according to the patient’s condition. Surgical methods used in breast cancer treatment are as follows;

Lumpectomy: It is the process of removing cancerous tissue and some of the surrounding healthy tissue. This method is preferred in the early stages of breast cancer.

Mastectomy: In this method applied in advanced stages of breast cancer, all breast tissue is removed.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: In this method used to determine the spread of cancer in the body, the lymph node where cancerous cells first reach is removed and examined.

Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: It removes the lymph nodes in the armpit to control the spread of cancer.

Which Doctor Performs Breast Surgery?

General surgeons or oncological surgeons specialized in breast surgery are involved in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and other breast diseases. These doctors evaluate the condition of the patients, determine the appropriate treatment methods and perform surgical procedures. Working with a doctor who is experienced and specialized in breast surgery will help patients achieve better results in the treatment process.

Who Is a Breast Surgeon?

A breast surgeon is a surgeon who specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of breast diseases. They have gained advanced training and experience in breast diseases and surgery after receiving general surgery training. Breast surgeons play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of benign (benign) and malignant (malignant) breast diseases.

The duties of breast surgeons include a physical examination of patients, evaluation of necessary imaging tests, biopsy procedures, and surgical treatments. In addition, breast surgeons work together with multidisciplinary teams that play an essential role in the treatment of breast cancer and create the most appropriate and effective treatment plan for patients.

Biopsy Methods in Breast Surgery

A breast biopsy is a procedure performed to determine the nature and stage of the disease by sampling breast tissue. Biopsy methods used in breast surgery are briefly as follows;

Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB): In this method, cell samples are taken from the suspicious area with the help of a fine needle. FNAB is generally used for the diagnosis of cysts and fluid collection.

Thick Needle Biopsy (CBB): CBB is a biopsy method using a thicker needle. With this method, tissue samples are taken from the suspicious area and sent for pathological examination. CIB is preferred to obtain more precise diagnoses.

Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy: In this method, larger tissue samples can be taken from the suspicious area. Vacuum-assisted biopsy is especially used for the evaluation of calcifications.

Excisional Biopsy: Excisional biopsy is the surgical removal of all or most of the suspicious area. This method is preferred especially in cases where a definitive diagnosis cannot be made with other biopsy methods.

Multidisciplinary Approach in Breast Surgery

A multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of breast diseases and especially breast cancer is important to ensure that patients receive the most appropriate and effective treatment. The interdisciplinary team consists of a breast surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, pathologist, radiologist, plastic surgeon, psychologist and other supportive health personnel.

The advantages of a multidisciplinary approach are as follows;

• A more holistic and comprehensive evaluation is provided in the treatment process of patients.
• The most appropriate treatment plan is created by bringing together specialists from different disciplines.
• Support is provided for the physical, psychological and social needs of patients.
• More effective results are achieved with teamwork to follow up the treatment process and improve the quality of life of patients.

Surgeons specializing in breast surgery play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of breast diseases. Biopsy methods and a multidisciplinary approach ensure that patients receive the most appropriate and effective treatment.

Breast Protective Treatment in Breast Surgery

Breast-conserving treatment is a surgical method performed in patients with breast cancer to remove cancerous tissue and preserve as much normal breast tissue as possible. This treatment is considered an important development in breast cancer surgery and helps to improve the quality of life of patients.

Breast-conserving treatment is also called lumpectomy or segmental resection and is usually combined with radiotherapy. This treatment is ideal for patients with early-stage breast cancer because it is possible to remove most of the cancerous cells and preserve the shape of the breast.

The advantages of breast-conserving treatment are as follows;

• It creates better results in terms of aesthetics. Breast-conserving treatment helps patients maintain breast shape and size, providing a more natural appearance.
• The shorter healing process. Since breast-conserving treatment is a less invasive method, the healing process is usually shorter and less painful.
• Provides psychological benefits. Breast-conserving treatment positively affects patients’ self-confidence and quality of life by preserving their breasts.

Sentinel/Guard Lymph Node Detection Method in Breast Surgery

The sentinel lymph node is defined as the first lymph node where breast cancer is most likely to spread. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is an important method used in breast cancer surgery. With this method, it can be determined whether the cancer has spread to other lymph nodes.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is performed with a radioactive substance or a substance labeled with blue dye before surgery. This labeled substance is injected near the cancerous tissue and travels through the lymphatic system. Once the labeled substance reaches the sentinel lymph node, the surgeon can easily locate these nodes and remove them for biopsy.

The advantages of sentinel lymph node biopsy are as follows;

Less invasive: This method is less invasive than classical methods where all lymph nodes must be removed.

Less risk of complications: Sentinel lymph node biopsy reduces the risk of complications such as lymphoedema.

More accurate staging: Sentinel lymph node biopsy helps to more accurately determine the spread and staging of cancer.

Mastectomy Method in Breast Surgery

Mastectomy is a surgical method used in the treatment of breast cancer and involves the removal of all breast tissue. Mastectomy is usually performed for patients with advanced breast cancer or is preferred when there is a high risk of cancer spreading.

Mastectomy Types Are As Follows;

• Simple mastectomy. In this method, all breast tissue and sometimes lymph nodes are removed.
• Modified radical mastectomy. In this method, all breast tissue, adjacent lymph nodes and sometimes muscle tissue are removed.
• Radical mastectomy. In this method, all breast tissue, lymph nodes and chest muscles are removed. It is less preferred today.

The advantages of mastectomy are the following;

• Mastectomy ensures complete removal of cancerous cells and reduces the risk of recurrence.
• Most patients who undergo mastectomy do not need radiotherapy.
• For patients with genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, mastectomy significantly reduces the risk of cancer.

Breast Surgery Treatment Prices

Turkey has managed to announce its name to the world with its investments and studies in the field of health. Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.

• Hospitals are large, clean, spacious and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.
• Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.
• Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.
• Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.
• Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.
• Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.
• Easy transportation.
• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. We can see that patients and their relatives who want to come to Turkey are doing research on Breast Surgery Treatment Prices. However, it would not be right to give clear price information at this stage. Many factors such as the type of disease, stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.