Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 11/1/2011

Question
Hi,
I have several questions surrounding mastectomy please.

1. Could explain the procedure of a mastectomy please?
2. Approximately how long would a patient be in hospital for this proecure?
3.Would reconstruction be carried out straight away or another operation later?
4.what medications could be prescribed following a mastectomy?
5.  If one breast is removed, would adjuvant treatments be required if the cancer was found to be only in that breast?
6.How long is the full recovery process for a mastectomy?
Many thanks for your help and time.
Michelle

Answer
Much of your question is best explained by a surgeon which I am not I'm a medical oncologist & radiation therapist. So those parts are best directed to an expert of surgery here.

1. The whole breast is removed surgically. For details see above.
2. See above.
3. Both methods are possible. In some places it is done directly in others at a later date.
4. See above.
5. Depends on what is found by the pathologist. If for example the tumour is found to be hormone sensitive hormonal therapy probably would at least be suggested. Also if it was HER2 positive chemotherapy would probably be suggested since such cancers usually are quite aggressive.
6. See above.


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