|
Breast lump removal Description:
A breast lump may either be a cyst filled with fluid or a solid mass of tissue. A sample of the breast tissue ( biopsy ) must be made to determine whether malignant (cancerous) cells are present. Almost two-thirds of all breast lumps are benign but the chance of a malignant lump is greatly increased if the woman is past menopause .
While the patient is awake or sleepy (sedated) and pain-free (local anesthesia or general anesthesia), an incision is made over the lump. The lump is removed in one piece and sent to the laboratory for immediate examination. The skin is stitched back together.
Indications:
Early detection of a breast lump is very important to the prognosis (probable outcome). Also, remember that most breast lumps are not diagnosed at the doctor's office but at home by the women themselves in a breast self-examination . All breast lumps that persist beyond a few days must be reported to the doctor.
What to Expect After:
The outcome of the lumpectomy depends on the type of lump found. If the lump is benign , (whether it is drained or excised) the outcome is complete remission with no complications. If the lump is malignant, the outcome depends on the spread of the tumor . Radiation therapy may be used in addition to surgery. In appropriate cases of malignant lumps, lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy may be as effective as a radical mastectomy . Typically, lumpectomy does not require a breast replacement ( prosthesis ).
Convalescence:
The convalescence period is very short for a lumpectomy.
Risks:
Risks for any anesthesia are: Risks for any surgery are:
Cost:
The costs of any surgery varies significantly between surgeons, medical facilities, and regions of the country. Patients who are younger, sicker, or need more extensive surgery will require more intensive and expensive treatment.
Surgery charges can be separated into five parts: 1) the surgeon's fee, 2) the anesthesiologist's fee, 3) the hospital charges, which includes nursing care and the operating room, 4) the medications, and 5) additional charges.
1. Surgeon's fee: variable
2. Anesthesiologist's fee: averages $350 to $400 per hour
3. Hospital charges: basic rate averages $1,500 to $1,800 per day (more for the intensive care unit (ICU) or private rooms)
4. Medication charges: $200 to $400
5. Additional charges: assisting surgeon, treatment of complications, diagnostic procedures (such as blood or Xray exams), medical supplies, equipment use, etc.
Insurance coverage for surgery expenses depends on many factors and should be explored for each individual instance.
This illustration shows an anatomical cross-section, both side and front views, of the female breast.
A breast self examination should be performed monthly by all adult women. Early detection of breast cancer results in a higher cure rate and survival rate. Increased awareness, routine breast exams, and regular mammograms allow for earlier detection of breast cancer. Increased longevity is just now beginning to show as survival statistics are being compiled.
The mammogram is a rapid screen for breast cancer. Combined with performing regular breast self-exams, early diagnosis is likely. Earlier diagnosis leads to more cures, longer survival, and generally better outcome. Recommendations for frequency of mammograms change with the individual's age and family history. You should ask your physician how frequently you should have a mammogram.
This picture shows the reconstruction of a breast. The left picture is of the breast before reconstruction; the right picture is after reconstruction.
|
