Oncoplastic surgery: An innovative approach in breast cancer treatment.

Significant progress has been made in breast cancer treatment in recent years. One of these advancements is the widespread use of oncoplastic surgical techniques. Oncoplastic surgery is an innovative approach that combines the surgical treatment of breast cancer with the aesthetic principles of plastic surgery. This method aims to improve patients’ quality of life and body image while maintaining the effectiveness of cancer treatment.

What is oncoplastic surgery?

Oncoplastic surgery involves simultaneous breast reconstruction with surgical removal of breast cancer (lumpectomy or mastectomy). This approach aims to preserve or recreate the shape and symmetry of the breast while ensuring complete removal of the tumor. Oncoplastic techniques can range from minor local adjustments to extensive reconstructive procedures.

The main goals of oncoplastic surgery:

1. Effective Treatment of Cancer: Oncoplastic surgery ensures the complete removal of cancerous tissue. Preventing the spread of cancer and controlling the disease are the primary goals.
2. Preserving or Improving Breast Aesthetics: During the surgery, breast tissue is reshaped and breast symmetry is preserved if necessary. This positively impacts the patient’s physical and psychological recovery process.

Oncoplastic Surgical Techniques

1. In Small Tumors (Combination with Lumpectomy):
   • LumpectomyThis involves removing the tumor and a small area of surrounding healthy tissue. After this procedure, the remaining breast tissue is reshaped to restore symmetry.
   • This technique aims to create minimal deformation in the breast, taking aesthetic results into account while cancer treatment is being completed.
2. Reconstruction After Mastectomy:
   • MastectomyThis procedure is applied in cases where the breast needs to be completely removed. In this case, breast reconstruction can be performed with oncoplastic surgery. Breast reconstruction can be achieved using tissue taken from another part of the patient’s body (autologous tissue) or breast implants.
   • The goal is to restore the shape and appearance of the patient’s breasts and improve aesthetic satisfaction.

Oncoplastic surgery encompasses a variety of techniques that can be tailored to each patient’s specific needs and the characteristics of the tumor:

1. Volume Displacement Techniques: It involves reconstructing the breast tissue remaining after the tumor has been removed.
2. Volume Reduction Techniques: In cases of large breasts, a reduction surgery is performed along with tumor removal.
3. Volume Increase Techniques: In cases of small breasts, tissue transfer from another part of the body or implants can be used after tumor removal.
4. Symmetrization Procedures: The procedure is also performed on the opposite breast to ensure symmetry.

Advantages of Oncoplastic Surgery

Oncoplastic surgery offers several advantages over traditional breast cancer surgeries:

1. Aesthetic Results: Preserving or reshaping breast tissue provides a more natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
2. Psychological Well-being: Preserving breast appearance positively impacts patients’ body image and self-confidence.
3. Treatment in a Single Session: Cancer surgery and reconstruction can be performed in the same operation, which speeds up the recovery process.
4. Wider Surgical Margins: Oncoplastic techniques allow for wider tumor removal, which can reduce the risk of local recurrence.
5. Suitability for Radiotherapy: The reconstructed breast provides a more suitable environment for radiotherapy.

Who is it suitable for?

Oncoplastic surgery is suitable for women diagnosed with breast cancer who wish to preserve or aesthetically reconstruct their breasts. The stage of the cancer, the size and location of the tumor, the patient’s overall health, and aesthetic expectations are all important factors in determining suitability for this surgery. The patient’s need for other treatment options, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, should also be considered.

Procedure and Post-Operative Process

Oncoplastic surgery is a complex process requiring careful planning and precise execution. The first step is a detailed preliminary assessment. This stage evaluates the characteristics of the tumor, the breast structure, and the patient’s expectations. The surgical plan is developed in collaboration between the oncologist and the plastic surgeon.

During surgery, the tumor is first removed with safe surgical margins. Then, the breast tissue is reshaped using the determined oncoplastic technique. If necessary, the opposite breast can also be reshaped for symmetry. All these procedures are usually completed in a single operation.

The postoperative recovery process can vary depending on the technique used. Generally, patients can return to their daily activities within a few days or weeks. Swelling and bruising subside over time. The final aesthetic result is usually visible within 3-6 months.

Potential Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, oncoplastic surgery carries some risks. These include infection, bleeding, delayed wound healing, asymmetry, and changes in breast sensation. However, when performed by an experienced team, these risks can be minimized.

Oncoplastic surgery is a groundbreaking approach to breast cancer treatment. This method significantly improves patients’ quality of life and body image while maintaining the effectiveness of cancer treatment. Selecting and applying the most appropriate technique for each patient requires the meticulous work of an expert team.

Our clinic is located in the heart of Istanbul and is equipped with the latest technology. Our experienced team in oncoplastic surgery offers personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient. For patients diagnosed with breast cancer or at risk and wishing to learn more about oncoplastic surgery, we offer comprehensive services. We provide evaluation and consulting services..

We wish you healthy days.