Our Summary

This study looked at two types of surgery for breast cancer patients - a modified radical mastectomy alone, and a modified radical mastectomy combined with a procedure to restore the latissimus dorsi, a muscle in the back. The researchers compared 365 cases, with 185 patients receiving the combined surgery and 180 receiving the mastectomy alone. The researchers found that patients who had the combined surgery had less tension in the surgical area, less fluid build-up after the operation, and were able to have their drainage tubes removed sooner. They also had a better appearance after surgery. This suggests that adding the restoration of the latissimus dorsi to the mastectomy could lead to less fluid build-up, a shorter hospital stay, and less tension in the surgical area. As a result, this method could be used more widely in the treatment of breast cancer.

FAQs

  1. What was the main difference found between patients who had a modified radical mastectomy alone versus those who had it combined with a latissimus dorsi restoration procedure?
  2. How does restoring the latissimus dorsi contribute to a better recovery post-mastectomy?
  3. Could the combined surgery of a modified radical mastectomy and the restoration of the latissimus dorsi become a more common treatment for breast cancer?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about radical mastectomy is to discuss with their surgeon the possibility of combining the surgery with a procedure to restore the latissimus dorsi muscle. This additional procedure may help reduce tension in the surgical area, decrease fluid build-up, and improve the overall appearance after surgery. It is important to have an open and honest conversation with your surgeon about all options available to you for the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who are recommended for a radical mastectomy typically have larger tumors or tumors that are close to the chest wall, as well as those with multiple tumors or tumors that have spread to the chest wall or surrounding tissues. Additionally, patients who have a high risk of cancer recurrence or have a genetic predisposition to breast cancer may also be recommended for a radical mastectomy.

Timeline

Before radical mastectomy:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with breast cancer.
  2. Patient undergoes various tests and consultations to determine the extent of the cancer.
  3. Patient and medical team decide on the best course of treatment, which may include a radical mastectomy.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative preparations, such as blood tests and imaging scans.

After radical mastectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to remove the affected breast tissue.
  2. Patient is monitored closely in the immediate post-operative period for any complications.
  3. Patient may experience pain, discomfort, and limited range of motion in the affected arm and chest.
  4. Patient may need to stay in the hospital for a few days for recovery.
  5. Patient may require physical therapy to improve arm and chest mobility.
  6. Patient may experience emotional and psychological challenges related to body image and self-esteem.
  7. Patient may undergo reconstructive surgery or use prosthetics to restore the appearance of the breast.
  8. Patient undergoes follow-up appointments and monitoring to ensure the cancer has been successfully treated.
  9. Patient may undergo further treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, depending on the stage of the cancer and other factors.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a radical mastectomy and how does it differ from other types of mastectomy procedures?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a radical mastectomy?
  3. How long is the recovery period after a radical mastectomy?
  4. Will I need additional treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, after a radical mastectomy?
  5. What are the chances of the cancer returning after a radical mastectomy?
  6. Are there alternative surgical options available for treating breast cancer?
  7. Will I need any additional procedures or surgeries, such as breast reconstruction, after a radical mastectomy?
  8. How will a radical mastectomy affect my daily activities and quality of life?
  9. What are the long-term effects of a radical mastectomy on my overall health and well-being?
  10. Are there any clinical trials or research studies investigating new advancements in radical mastectomy procedures that I should consider?

Reference

Authors: Yang C, Wang X, Zhang G, Yang L, Guo X, Wang X, Song Z. Journal: Mol Clin Oncol. 2017 Dec;7(6):1089-1092. doi: 10.3892/mco.2017.1435. Epub 2017 Oct 3. PMID: 29285380