Breast Cancer Early Stage : Part 4

by Women's Health Information Center

(Page 4 of 4)

What are the side effects of both surgical treatments? What's the worst case scenario?

When considering what kind of surgery to have, it is important to know that there are potential side effects common to all surgical procedures. Any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection, poor wound healing, bleeding, or a reaction to the anesthesia. Also, pain and tenderness in the affected area is common, usually in the short-term. Because nerves may be injured or cut during surgery, most women will experience numbness and tingling in the chest, underarm, shoulder, and/or upper arm. Women who undergo lumpectomy usually find that these changes in sensation improve over 1 or 2 years, but may never completely resolve.

Most women who have lumpectomy with radiation will still have sensation in the breast, whereas women who have had a mastectomy with reconstruction - either with implants or her own tissue - will not have much (or perhaps any) sensation in their breast mounds, because the nerves to the breast skin have been cut. And, although nipples can be reconstructed, they will not have sensation.

Removal of lymph nodes under the arms is usually performed with both lumpectomy and mastectomy. This can lead to pain and arm swelling ("lymphedema") in up to 30% of patients.

The side effects of treatment vary for each person. Some people may experience many side effects or complications, others may experience very few. Pain medication, physical therapy, and other strategies can help.

Can I have breast reconstruction at the same time as my mastectomy?

Most women can undergo at least part of the breast reconstruction procedure at the same time as their mastectomy. Breast reconstruction can be done later as well. For some kinds of reconstruction, more than one surgery is needed. Different breast reconstruction procedures have various complications that need to be discussed before a decision is made.

With reconstruction, can I change the size of my breasts? Can the plastic surgeon make the other breast match?

In many cases, a plastic surgeon can change the size of the breasts. Some plastic surgeons are more skilled than others at making the other breast match. Sometimes, it would be necessary to perform surgery on the healthy breast to help make them match. Usually, reconstruction with a woman's own tissue has a more natural appearance than implants, which tend to be higher and rounder than a natural breast. Women who are seriously considering reconstructive surgery should have a full consultation with the plastic surgeon before having a mastectomy, and can bring a list of questions to ask.

What happens when each treatment ends? How often do I see you?

These are questions that each woman should ask, and doctors should be prepared to answer. There are several different kinds of physicians and health professionals that are involved in treatment, and this should be clearly explained to the patient.

If I have a lumpectomy and I get a recurrence, will I have to have a mastectomy then? Can I have reconstruction after radiation?

Most women who have a lumpectomy followed by radiation will not have a recurrence in the same breast. A recurrence in the same breast does not reduce a woman's chance for a healthy recovery. It probably, however, will require surgery, and a woman may decide to have a mastectomy at that time, because radiation is not recommended a second time. Breast reconstruction is possible after radiation but the surgery may be more difficult to perform, and this should be discussed with a plastic surgeon.

These are questions that breast cancer patients commonly ask their doctors. What's your recommendation? What treatment would you recommend if I were your wife/sister/daughter? What do most of your patients in my situation decide?

Many doctors will answer these questions honestly. However, a doctor's opinions may be affected by age, training, and other personal influences. For example, research shows that older doctors, male doctors, doctors working in community hospitals, and doctors in the South and Midwest are more likely to recommend mastectomies. Younger doctors, female doctors, doctors working at university medical centers, and doctors working in the Northeast are more likely to recommend lumpectomies.

These differences are probably related to the kind of training a doctor has had. Doctors who were trained within the last 20 years, and work at university-based medical centers, may be more aware of the recent research indicating that lumpectomies are just as safe as mastectomies, and may have received more training on how to perform a lumpectomy. However, there are certainly older doctors and doctors at community hospitals who are very well informed about current treatment options, and well trained to perform them.

It is important for you to feel comfortable discussing your preferences and participating in the decisions about your surgical treatment. Research shows that women are happier if they help make treatment decisions, rather than just following their doctor's recommendations.

Should I get a second opinion?

Your cancer treatment involves several important decisions. A second opinion may help you feel more confident of making the decisions that are best for you. Asking for a second opinion is always appropriate, and well-qualified physicians are not offended by it. And, feel free to ask your doctor for copies of your medical records.

About the Author

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