About Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. When detected at an early stage, treatment is often highly effective, and many patients achieve long-term survival without recurrence.
Several surgical techniques are available for breast tumor removal, ranging from breast-conserving surgery, which removes the tumor along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue, to mastectomy, which involves removing the entire breast.
Because breast removal can have a significant physical and emotional impact, breast reconstruction may be offered when medically appropriate.
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure designed to restore the shape and appearance of the breast following cancer surgery. It may be performed at the same time as tumor removal or at a later stage, depending on the patient’s condition and treatment plan.
Preparation: What Should You Know Before Breast Tumor Removal?
The decision to undergo breast tumor removal is made in cooperation with an oncologist and a multidisciplinary medical team, following a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation.
Depending on the individual case, diagnostic examinations may include breast ultrasound, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), biopsy, laboratory tests, and a detailed clinical examination.
The recommended surgical approach depends on several factors, including the type and stage of breast cancer, tumor size and location, breast anatomy, and the patient’s overall health.
During your initial consultation, Dr Predrag Matejin or Dr Dario Lizatović will explain the proposed procedure, discuss potential benefits and risks, and answer your questions.
You will also have the opportunity to discuss breast reconstruction options, including immediate reconstruction performed during cancer surgery and delayed reconstruction performed after the completion of certain oncological treatments.
Surgical Techniques: How Is Breast Cancer Removed?
Different surgical techniques may be used to remove breast cancer. The choice of procedure is based on the extent of the disease, clinical findings, and recommendations from the multidisciplinary oncology team.
Skin-Sparing Mastectomy
A skin-sparing mastectomy involves removing breast glandular tissue while preserving most of the natural breast skin envelope.
This technique may be suitable for selected patients when oncologically safe, particularly when immediate breast reconstruction is planned.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and may take approximately 2 hours, although the total operating time may be longer when reconstruction is performed simultaneously.
During surgery, the affected breast tissue is removed while preserving as much healthy breast skin as appropriate.
Breast reconstruction may be performed during the same operation using an implant, tissue expander, or another suitable reconstructive technique.
Depending on the patient’s anatomy and surgical plan, an implant may be positioned beneath or above the chest muscle.
Quadrantectomy (Breast-Conserving Surgery)
Quadrantectomy is a breast-conserving surgical procedure that involves removing a section of the breast containing the tumor, together with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue.
This technique may be recommended for selected patients with localized breast cancer when adequate tumor removal and an acceptable cosmetic result are achievable.
Quadrantectomy is generally performed under general anesthesia and may take approximately 1 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure and whether lymph node surgery is required.
The surgeon makes an incision appropriate to the location and size of the tumor and removes the affected breast tissue with the aim of achieving clear surgical margins.
When clinically indicated, lymph nodes in the armpit (axilla) may also be assessed or removed through a separate incision.
The lymphatic system plays an important role in the body’s immune defense. Breast cancer cells can sometimes spread through lymphatic vessels to nearby lymph nodes, particularly those located in the armpit.
Assessment of these lymph nodes provides important information about the extent of the disease and helps guide further treatment.
Depending on the clinical situation, lymph node evaluation may involve a sentinel lymph node biopsy or an axillary lymph node dissection.
Breast-conserving surgery is commonly followed by radiation therapy to reduce the risk of cancer returning in the treated breast.
Mastectomy and Modified Radical Mastectomy
A mastectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of the entire breast.
When additional removal of axillary lymph nodes is required, a modified radical mastectomy may be performed. Unlike a traditional radical mastectomy, this procedure generally preserves the chest muscles.
These procedures are performed under general anesthesia and may take approximately 2 hours, depending on the surgical technique and individual circumstances.
The location and length of the incision depend on breast size, tumor characteristics, and the planned reconstructive approach.
When delayed breast reconstruction is planned, a tissue expander may be placed during the initial operation in selected patients.
A tissue expander is a temporary implant designed to gradually stretch the surrounding skin and soft tissues to create space for a permanent breast implant.
Over several weeks or months, sterile saline solution is injected into the expander through a specially designed port, gradually increasing its volume.
During a subsequent reconstructive procedure, the tissue expander is removed and is commonly replaced with a permanent silicone breast implant.
The timing and suitability of this approach depend on the patient’s oncology treatment plan, including whether radiation therapy is required.
Recovery and Precautions
Following breast tumor removal surgery, patients may need to remain at the clinic for approximately 1 to 2 days, depending on the procedure performed and their postoperative condition.
Temporary pain, swelling, tightness, and reduced mobility in the chest or shoulder area are common during the early recovery period.
Recovery after breast-conserving surgery is generally faster than after more extensive procedures, particularly those involving breast reconstruction or axillary lymph node dissection.
Some patients may return to light daily activities within several days, while others require several weeks of recovery.
After surgery, the removed tumor tissue and any lymph nodes are examined through histopathological analysis.
The results help the oncology team determine whether additional treatment is needed, such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy.
Depending on the surgical technique, patients may be advised to wear a supportive postoperative bra to improve comfort and support healing.
Compression sleeves are not routinely required for every patient. They may be recommended when arm swelling or lymphedema develops, following assessment by an appropriately trained healthcare professional.
Rest is an important part of recovery, but gentle movement and appropriate shoulder exercises may also be recommended to help maintain mobility and reduce stiffness.
If swelling occurs, positioning the affected arm comfortably and slightly elevated may help relieve symptoms. Your medical team will provide individualized instructions.
Lymphedema After Breast Cancer Surgery
One possible complication of breast cancer treatment is lymphedema, a condition characterized by swelling caused by impaired lymphatic drainage.
Lymphedema may develop after the removal of axillary lymph nodes or following radiation therapy affecting the lymphatic system.
It can occur shortly after treatment or develop months or even years later.
Not all patients develop lymphedema, and the risk depends on factors such as the extent of lymph node surgery, radiation treatment, and individual medical circumstances.
Management may include specialized physiotherapy, compression therapy when indicated, exercise, skin care, and other measures designed to improve lymphatic drainage and maintain upper-body mobility.
Early recognition and appropriate treatment can help control symptoms and improve quality of life.
Our medical team will provide detailed postoperative instructions and coordinate follow-up care with your oncology specialists.
How Much Does Breast Tumor Removal Surgery Cost?
For more information about breast tumor removal surgery prices, please visit our price list.
