It’s typical of the patients to feel overwhelmed after a cancer diagnosis. Apart from processing the news, they have some crucial decisions to make.
- Will it be a waste of time if I seek a second opinion?
- Which treatment should I go with?
- Which treatment is likely to give me the best positive outcome?
- If it is breast cancer, patients also ask the best oncologist in Kolkata if they have a choice between mastectomy and lumpectomy.
- The breast cancer patients also have another important query in their mind. Should they undergo breast construction surgery right now or someday in future?
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women throughout the world. The patients, who undergo treatment, often have the common question about breast reconstruction. For the oncologists, it’s never easy to give a one-word answer. There are different types of breast reconstruction options. Therefore, the patients should not rush through the decisions; rather they should know the pros and cons of each option before deciding which one will be the best for them.
Breast reconstruction can significantly affect a woman’s post-operative life. It can improve their confidence to socialize after the cancerous breast lump is removed. Reconstruction covers surgical scars which often cause stress to the patients. Therefore, from many perspectives, breast reconstruction has some obvious benefits.
The best medical oncologist in Kolkata says breast reconstruction surgery is mainly of two types – Immediate and Delayed. Immediate reconstruction is performed at the time of lumpectomy or mastectomy. Delayed reconstruction is done weeks, months or years after the mastectomy. Both have certain advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of Immediate Reconstruction
- The patient won’t have to undergo multiple operations. It means only one-time anesthesia is required.
- If the patient is a female (breast cancer also affects men), living without a breast produces a deep psychological impact on them. With immediate reconstruction, they don’t have to live without breast even for a single day. It might help them with psychological healing.
- Immediate surgery leaves fewer scars on the reconstructed part. Furthermore, the nipple is spared in many cases.
Disadvantages of Immediate Reconstruction
- Immediate reconstruction takes time. The decision is taken after considering the patient’s health condition.
- Smokers and patients with co-morbidity factors such as, obesity or diabetes are usually at higher risks for complications.
Other risks for breast reconstruction before radiation therapy for cancer are as follows:
- Breast asymmetry
- Skin thinning
- Infection may delay radiation therapy usually done 4-6 weeks after mastectomy
Advantages of Delayed Reconstruction
- If the patients are undecided about whether to undergo breast reconstruction or yet to decide if they will need an implant or a new breast constructed from their own tissue, delayed reconstruction is a preferred choice.
- Patients get time for recovery after the cancer surgery.
- Delayed reconstruction is good for the patients who are advised to undergo radiation as a part of their cancer treatment plan.
Disadvantages of Delayed Reconstruction
- Patients need to undergo surgery for the second time
Final Words
Not all patients are the right candidates for breast reconstruction surgery. The onco-surgeons always take a personalized approach towards breast reconstruction choice and process. Donate towards cancer research for improved therapies and a permanent cure someday in future.