What is breast surgery?

Breast surgery is a type of surgical procedure that is performed to address a variety of concerns related to the breasts. Medical breast surgery, on the other hand, may involve procedures such as breast reduction, breast lift, or breast reconstruction after cancer treatment or trauma.

Types of breast surgeries

• Breast cancer surgery
  This is a type of surgical procedure that is performed to remove cancerous tissue from the breast. Surgery is a crucial part of breast cancer treatment, which also includes radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. The decision regarding which surgical procedure to use depends on multiple factors, such as the size, location, and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. Common breast cancer surgeries include lumpectomy, mastectomy, and lymph node removal. The objective of breast cancer surgery is to eliminate the cancerous tissue as much as possible while maintaining the appearance and functionality of the breast. This may involve removing either part or all of the breast, as well as potentially excising the nearby lymph nodes to eradicate the cancer.
• Preventative breast surgery (mastectomy)
  Also known as prophylactic mastectomy, is a type of surgery that is performed to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in individuals who have a high risk of the disease. This pertains to individuals who have a significant family history of breast cancer, a confirmed genetic mutation, or a personal history of prior breast cancer. During a preventative mastectomy, one or both breasts are removed to reduce the amount of breast tissue that could potentially develop cancer. This surgery can significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, but it is a major procedure that can have physical and emotional impacts on the individual undergoing the surgery.
• Removal of non-cancerous breast lumps
  The removal of non-cancerous breast lumps is a surgical procedure known as a breast lump removal or lumpectomy. This procedure is typically performed when a breast lump is identified, and a biopsy has confirmed that it is not cancerous. The surgical procedure involves extracting the lump and a small portion of the adjacent breast tissue. This is necessary to eliminate all of the anomalous tissue and minimise the likelihood of the lump reoccurring. Typically, the procedure is conducted on an outpatient basis, and recovery time is brief. It is important to note that while non-cancerous lumps are not immediately life-threatening, they should still be evaluated by a healthcare provider and may require removal if they are causing discomfort or concern.