Why is this procedure done?
This is a surgery to remove breast tissue. This is done to: ‚
- Treat breast cancer
- Prevent breast cancer
- Treat side effects from your past breast cancer care
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What will the results be?
Removal of the cancer or removal of a normal breast to lower the risk of breast cancer. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Lab tests
- Mammogram
- X-rays or scans
Be sure to follow your doctors orders. ‚
- Take a shower or bath the night before your surgery. Wash your hair in case you are not able or do not feel like doing it after your surgery.
- Do not put on any lotion, cream, perfume, or deodorant.
- Only bring the things you will need during your hospital stay.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- The doctor may write with a marker on your chest to show which breast and where the cuts will be made.
- Once you are in the operating room, you will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. The staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs.
- When you are asleep, the doctors put a tube in your mouth to help you breathe. You will have a tube in your bladder to drain urine.
- Your doctor will make a cut in your breast. The breast tissue, including your nipple, will be removed. Tissue called lymph nodes under the arm and around the breast may also be taken out. The tissue will be sent to the lab to be tested for cancer. A tube will be put under the skin to drain blood and fluid build-up from the surgery cut. It will be connected to a closed cup or bulb that can be emptied when full.
- Your doctor will close your cut or cuts with stitches or staples and cover with clean bandages.
- This procedure takes 1 to 3 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will be taken to a Recovery Room after surgery. The staff will take out your breathing tube when you are awake. You may have a sore throat afterwards. You will get drugs through your I.V. to help with your pain.
- The staff will help you begin to move around in your bed the same day of your surgery. You will sit at the side of the bed. Doing coughing and deep breathing exercises will help keep your lungs clear.
- You may stay at the hospital for a few days based on how much surgery you had done.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
Talk to your doctor about hormone therapy. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent or fight an infection
- Kill cancer cells
- Replace hormones
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Fluid buildup in your arm or hand if lymph nodes were removed
- You may feel sad or depressed about the change of your body
Where can I learn more?
American Society of Clinical Oncology ‚
http://www.cancer.net/patient/All+About+Cancer/Cancer.Net+Feature+Articles/After+Treatment+and+Survivorship/Mastectomy%3A+What+to+Know ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚