Complete breast cancer resection

Basically every woman is very afraid of breast cancer, mainly because breast cancer is a cancer disease that can cause systemic syndrome problems once the cancer cells spread. In modern clinical medicine, the cure rate for breast cancer is actually very high, and it mainly involves removing the cancer cells. However, breast cancer patients are generally unwilling to undergo a total mastectomy because it will affect the appearance of the breast. Next, I will explain to you the knowledge of radical resection of breast cancer.

Once breast cancer is diagnosed, patients usually have to consider whether to undergo breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy. Most patients in our country believe that breast cancer is less likely to recur after complete resection, achieving better treatment results. Therefore, breast cancer resection surgery currently accounts for a large proportion. However, after total breast cancer resection, due to the large wound area, breast removal, and reduced feminine charm, it is very difficult for the patient to recover. Here are a few things to pay attention to after total breast cancer resection for reference by patients and their families.

Wound care after radical mastectomy

Radical mastectomy for breast cancer causes a large area of ​​trauma. Some patients, in addition to mastectomy, also need axillary lymph node dissection, which will damage the entire side where the breast cancer is affected. Anti-infection treatment after surgery can avoid incision infection and axillary effusion.

Antibiotics can be used prophylactically for patients who may develop wound infection;

In addition, due to the axillary lymph node dissection, it is necessary to prevent and treat upper limb lymphedema and drainage is required;

The wound needs to be kept dry to promote wound healing.

Patients with hormone receptor-positive disease require endocrine therapy

The highest proportion of breast cancer patients are hormone receptor-positive patients. Patients need to control the production of estrogen or progesterone in their bodies for a long time. These breast cancer patients need to continue endocrine therapy five to ten years after surgery, such as the endocrine therapy drug tamoxifen or the aromatase inhibitor exemestane, to prevent breast cancer recurrence.

For patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, the HER2-targeted drug Herceptin needs to be used for one year in addition to adjuvant therapy after surgery.

Rehabilitation treatment for patients after radical resection of breast cancer

Rehabilitation treatment after breast cancer surgery is also highly valued. In addition to the rehabilitation of the affected limb, the patient's psychological rehabilitation must also be done.

Rehabilitation training for the affected limb usually starts one week after surgery, with simple upper limb functional exercises performed to gradually restore upper limb mobility. In addition to restoring the function of the affected limb, it can also prevent upper limb edema, which is more common after surgery, and avoid upper limb weakness in the future. Rehabilitation therapy can determine the patient's ability to move around after surgery.

For the psychological rehabilitation of breast cancer patients, on the one hand, they can participate in some patient groups and have more communication within the group; on the other hand, it is recommended that the patient's family members can give positive encouragement. Patients with family support are more likely to recover, including being able to actively participate in social activities; and the patients themselves can also enhance their self-confidence by wearing prosthetic breasts and other methods.

Regular follow-up after total breast cancer resection

Regardless of the type of breast cancer, there is a high chance of recurrence within five years after surgery. Generally, doctors will recommend regular (3-6 months) PET-CT examinations to prevent breast cancer recurrence or metastasis, depending on the patient's condition and type. If there is no recurrence, the examination time will be appropriately extended (6 months to 1 year).

There are more things to pay attention to after total breast cancer resection, such as regular monitoring of changes in blood pressure, heart rate, pulse, respiration, etc.; removing the drainage tube; and ensuring that the patient rests and improving diet and nutrition. For patients, the main thing is to recover physically and mentally so that they can return to society as soon as possible; while doctors mainly prevent the recurrence or metastasis of breast cancer by reviewing the results.