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

Breast Surgery

Cancer remains a significant health challenge threatening millions of lives worldwide today. Continuously developed diagnostic and treatment methods aimed at increasing success rates in cancer treatment and improving patients' quality of life form the foundation of scientific research in this field. In this context, oncological surgery and particularly breast surgery play a critical role in combating cancer. In this article we have written for you, we will attempt to answer frequently asked questions about breast cancer and surgical methods.

What is Breast Surgery?

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

What is Done in the Breast Surgery Department?

In the breast surgery department, appropriate diagnostic methods are first applied according to the patient's condition to determine the stage and spread of cancer. Surgical methods used in breast cancer treatment are as follows:

Lumpectomy: This is the procedure of removing cancerous tissue and a portion of the surrounding healthy tissue. This method is preferred in early stages of breast cancer.

Mastectomy: Applied in advanced stages of breast cancer, this method involves removal of all breast tissue.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: This method, used to determine the spread of cancer in the body, involves removal and examination of the lymph node that cancerous cells reach first.

Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: This is the procedure of removing lymph nodes under the armpit to control the spread of cancer.

Which Doctor Treats Breast Surgery?

General surgeons or oncological surgeons specialized in the field of breast surgery participate in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and other breast diseases. These doctors evaluate patients' conditions and determine appropriate treatment methods and perform surgical procedures. Working with a breast surgeon experienced and specialized in breast surgery will help patients obtain better results during their treatment process.

Who is a Breast Surgeon?

A breast surgeon is a surgeon specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of breast diseases. They typically receive general surgical training and then acquire advanced-level education and experience in breast diseases and surgery. Breast surgeons play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant breast diseases.

Among the responsibilities of a breast surgeon are physical examination of patients, evaluation of necessary imaging tests, biopsy procedures, and surgical treatments. Additionally, breast surgeons work with multidisciplinary teams that play an important role in breast cancer treatment, creating the most appropriate and effective treatment plan for patients.

Biopsy Methods in Breast Surgery

Breast biopsy is a procedure performed to determine the nature and stage of disease by taking a sample from 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 using a fine needle. FNAB is generally used in the diagnosis of cysts and for fluid withdrawal.

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

Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy: This method allows for wider tissue samples to be taken from the suspicious area. Vacuum-assisted biopsy is particularly used for evaluation of calcifications.

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

Multidisciplinary Approach in Breast Surgery

The multidisciplinary approach in breast disease treatment and particularly in breast cancer treatment is important for ensuring patients receive the most appropriate and effective treatment. The multidisciplinary team consists of a breast surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, pathologist, radiologist, plastic surgeon, psychologist, and other supportive healthcare personnel.

The advantages of the multidisciplinary approach are as follows:

• A more comprehensive and holistic evaluation of patients is provided during the treatment process.

• The most appropriate treatment plan is created when experts from different disciplines come together.

• Support is provided for patients' physical, psychological, and social needs.

• More effective results are achieved through teamwork in monitoring the treatment process and improving patients' quality of life.

Surgeons specialized in breast surgery play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of breast diseases. Through biopsy methods and multidisciplinary approach, patients are ensured to receive the most appropriate and effective treatment.

Breast-Conserving 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 advancement in breast cancer surgery and helps improve patients' quality of life.

Breast-conserving treatment is also called lumpectomy or segmental resection and is generally performed together with radiotherapy. This treatment is ideal for patients with early-stage breast cancer, as 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 produces better aesthetic results. Breast-conserving treatment helps patients preserve the shape and size of their breast, providing a more natural appearance.

• A shorter recovery period. Since breast-conserving treatment is a less invasive method, the recovery period is usually shorter and less painful.

• It provides psychological benefits. Breast-conserving treatment positively affects patients' confidence and quality of life by preserving their breasts.

Sentinel/Sentinel Lymph Node Detection Method in Breast Surgery

The sentinel lymph node is defined as the first lymph node with the highest probability of cancer spread. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is an important method used in breast cancer surgery. Through this method, it can be determined whether cancer has spread to other lymph nodes.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is performed before surgery using a radioactive substance or a substance marked with blue dye. This marked substance is injected near the cancerous tissue and travels toward the lymphatic system. When the marked substance reaches the sentinel lymph node, the surgeon can easily find and remove these nodes for biopsy.

The advantages of sentinel lymph node biopsy are as follows:

Less invasive: This method is less invasive compared to classical methods requiring removal of all lymph nodes.

Lower risk of complications: Sentinel lymph node biopsy reduces the risk of complications such as lymphedema.

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

Mastectomy Method in Breast Surgery

Mastectomy is a surgical method used in breast cancer treatment and involves removal of all breast tissue. Mastectomy is generally applied for patients with advanced-stage breast cancer or is preferred when the risk of cancer spread is high.

Types of mastectomy 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 as follows:

• Mastectomy ensures complete removal of cancerous cells and reduces the risk of recurrence.

• Most patients who undergo mastectomy do not require radiotherapy.

• For patients with genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, mastectomy significantly reduces cancer risk.

Breast Surgery Treatment Costs

Turkey has succeeded in making its name known in the world through its investments and work in the healthcare field. Particularly, the latest technological devices used in diagnostic and treatment procedures have brought hope to many diseases. In addition, there has been an increase in health tourism to Turkey.

The reasons for preference include:

• Hospitals being large, clean, spacious, and fully equipped with technological devices,

• Turkish doctors being specialized, successful, and talented in their fields,

• Nurses and caregivers being friendly and compassionate,

• Questions being answered quickly and accurately,

• All personnel, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient, being patient and understanding,

• Turkey offering vacation opportunities with its natural and historical beauties,

• Easy accessibility,

• Meeting the needs for diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, food, drink, clothing, and vacation at affordable prices,

We can see that patients and their relatives wanting to come to Turkey are researching regarding Breast Surgery Treatment Costs. However, it would not be appropriate to provide definitive price information at this stage. Many factors such as the type and stage of the disease, the diagnostic process, the treatment process, and the length of stay in Turkey affect the cost. If you would like to access more detailed price information, you can contact us. Furthermore, if you come to Turkey for treatment through our intermediation, we can facilitate your visa application process with an invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.