WhatsAppComprehensive Breast Health from Diagnosis to Surgery
Breast Diseases and Surgery provides the surgical diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant breast diseases. Breast cancer in particular, along with cysts, fibroadenomas and pathological changes in breast tissue, is assessed in this department. Working in multidisciplinary coordination with the medical oncology and radiation oncology teams, a personalised treatment plan is created for every patient.
Contents
What Is Breast Diseases and Surgery?
Breast Diseases and Surgery is a specialised surgical discipline that provides the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the breast tissue. The department covers a wide range, from breast cancer surgery to the removal of benign masses, and from reconstructive operations to preventive surgery. Breast surgeons determine the most appropriate surgical option in line with each patient's tumour characteristics, stage and personal preferences.
Which Diseases and Conditions Are Treated Surgically?
Breast Diseases and Surgery addresses many malignant and benign conditions surgically.
- Breast cancer (ductal carcinoma in situ, invasive ductal carcinoma, invasive lobular carcinoma)
- Fibroadenoma and benign breast masses
- Breast cysts (complex cysts and cases requiring intervention)
- Gynecomastia (enlargement of breast tissue in men)
- Papilloma and duct pathologies causing nipple discharge
- Phyllodes tumour
- Breast abscess and chronic infections
- High-risk lesions (atypical hyperplasia, lobular carcinoma in situ)
When Should You Consult Us?
- A newly noticed lump or firmness in the breast
- Dimpling, an orange-peel appearance or colour change in the breast skin
- Inward retraction or a change in the shape of the nipple
- Bloody or one-sided nipple discharge
- An enlarging lymph node in the armpit
- A suspicious finding on mammography or ultrasonography
- A family history of breast cancer and a request for risk assessment
Preoperative Assessment
A comprehensive assessment is carried out before the decision to operate; this process ensures both the selection of the correct surgical method and safe operative planning.
- Digital mammography and breast ultrasonography
- Breast MRI where required
- Tissue diagnosis by tru-cut (core needle) or vacuum-assisted biopsy
- Receptor analysis (ER, PR, HER2) and the Ki-67 proliferation index
- Axillary ultrasonography and, where necessary, staging with PET-CT
- Preoperative cardiology and anaesthesiology assessment
- A multidisciplinary board decision with medical oncology and radiation oncology
Operations and Surgical Procedures Performed
The method used in breast surgery is determined by the size and location of the tumour and the patient's preferences.
| Operation | Scope and application |
|---|---|
| An operation in which the tumour is removed together with a margin of healthy tissue and the breast tissue is largely preserved. It is used in early-stage breast cancer and in certain benign masses, and is usually completed with radiation therapy. | |
| An operation in which all breast tissue and the axillary (armpit) lymph nodes are removed. It is preferred in advanced-stage cases or where breast conserving surgery is not suitable. | |
| The first lymph node that can be reached from the tumour through the lymphatic route is identified during surgery with the help of an isotope and dye, and examined. This method avoids unnecessary axillary dissection and reduces the risk of lymphoedema. | |
| When the sentinel node is found to be positive, or where there is clinical suspicion of metastasis, the entire lymph node group in the armpit is removed. | |
| The reconstruction of breast tissue after mastectomy. Three main methods are used: Implant-based reconstruction: the breast shape is recreated by placing a tissue expander or a direct implant. TRAM flap: the breast is reconstructed using muscle and skin tissue from the abdominal region. LD flap (latissimus dorsi): reconstruction is achieved with tissue taken from the back muscle, usually combined with an implant. | |
| The surgical removal of healthy breast tissue in order to prevent breast cancer in individuals carrying a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation or at high risk. |
The Postoperative Period
Recovery varies according to the procedure performed; every patient is managed with an individual follow-up plan.
- The hospital stay is generally 1 day after lumpectomy and between 2 and 4 days after mastectomy.
- Drain follow-up: the drain is removed within 5 to 10 days depending on the amount of drainage.
- Arm movements: a physiotherapy-supported exercise programme begins from 1 to 2 weeks onwards.
- Wound care and check-up: carried out 10 to 14 days after surgery.
- Pathology result: the lymph node status and the clearance of the surgical margins are assessed and an adjuvant (additional) treatment plan is created.
- Oncology follow-up: if chemotherapy, radiotherapy or hormone therapy is required, it is continued in coordination with medical and radiation oncology.
- Long-term follow-up: every six months for the first two years, then annual mammography and clinical examination.
Book an appointment with the Academic Hospital Breast Diseases and Surgery Department.
Book an AppointmentBreast Diseases and Surgery at Academic Hospital
The Academic Hospital Breast Diseases and Surgery Department manages the whole pathway, from diagnosis through surgery to postoperative follow-up, under one roof. We work in coordination with our Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology departments throughout your multidisciplinary treatment process. The department also works routinely with the following departments:
- Medical Oncology: planning chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted treatments
- Pathology: examination of biopsy and surgical material, receptor analysis
- Radiology: mammography, breast ultrasonography and breast MRI examinations
- Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery: breast reconstruction after mastectomy
- General Surgery: assessment of accompanying surgical conditions
- Gynecology and Obstetrics: hormonal assessment and gynaecological follow-up
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: postoperative arm movements and lymphoedema rehabilitation
Frequently Asked Questions
References
The general information given on this page about breast diseases, surgical options and postoperative follow-up is supported by the reliable health sources listed below.
- The American Society of Breast Surgeons, "Official Statements and Guidelines", breastsurgeons.org
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), "Breast Cancer Patient Guidelines", nccn.org
- Mayo Clinic, "Mastectomy: What to Expect", mayoclinic.org
- National Cancer Institute, "Breast Cancer Treatment (PDQ)", cancer.gov
The information on this page is for informational purposes only; it does not replace medical examination, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a healthcare institution regarding your complaints.
