Our Summary

This research paper is about a study that took place at Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, which compared two types of surgery for breast cancer. The first type of surgery is a modified radical mastectomy (MRM), which is a common procedure for breast cancer. The second type of surgery is a newer method called SMALND, which preserves more of the breast and uses a silicone prosthesis implant.

They studied 87 patients who had one of these surgeries between January and June 2019. They found that the patients who underwent the newer SMALND surgery had less blood loss during surgery, although the operation took longer. These patients also had less fluid drainage after surgery, spent less time in the hospital, and reported a higher quality of life. They also had fewer post-surgery complications, like nipple and flap necrosis, arm swelling, and numbness.

In conclusion, the study found that the newer SMALND surgery for breast cancer had better results, higher patient satisfaction, higher quality of life, and fewer complications than the traditional MRM surgery.

FAQs

  1. What types of surgeries for breast cancer were compared in this study at Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University?
  2. How did the results from the SMALND surgery compare to the traditional modified radical mastectomy?
  3. What are some of the post-surgery complications that were less frequent in patients who underwent the newer SMALND surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about radical mastectomy is to discuss with their healthcare provider the possibility of undergoing a newer surgical technique like SMALND, which has shown to have better outcomes and fewer complications compared to traditional methods. It’s important for patients to be informed about all their surgical options and to make a decision that is best for their individual situation.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended radical mastectomy, whether traditional MRM or newer methods like SMALND, include those with large tumors, tumors that are close to the chest wall, multiple tumors in the same breast, tumors that are not easily removed with lumpectomy, or tumors that have spread to the lymph nodes. Additionally, patients with a strong family history of breast cancer, genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2, or a previous history of radiation therapy to the chest may also be recommended for radical mastectomy. Ultimately, the decision for mastectomy is made on a case-by-case basis by the patient and their medical team, taking into consideration factors like tumor size, location, stage, and overall health.

Timeline

Before the radical mastectomy:

  • Patient receives a breast cancer diagnosis
  • Patient consults with a surgeon to discuss treatment options
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and preparations
  • Patient makes the decision to undergo radical mastectomy
  • Surgery is scheduled and patient prepares for the procedure

After the radical mastectomy:

  • Patient undergoes the radical mastectomy surgery, which involves the removal of the entire breast, underlying chest muscles, and lymph nodes
  • Patient wakes up from surgery and begins the recovery process
  • Patient experiences pain and discomfort in the chest and arm area
  • Patient may have drains inserted to remove excess fluid from the surgical site
  • Patient stays in the hospital for a few days to recover
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital and continues to recover at home
  • Patient may experience emotional and physical challenges related to the loss of a breast
  • Patient undergoes follow-up appointments with their healthcare team to monitor their recovery and discuss further treatment options if needed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and benefits of a radical mastectomy compared to other surgical options for breast cancer?

  2. How does the SMALND surgery differ from a traditional modified radical mastectomy in terms of the amount of breast tissue removed and the use of a silicone prosthesis implant?

  3. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care for a radical mastectomy, specifically the SMALND surgery?

  4. Will I need additional treatments, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy, after undergoing a radical mastectomy?

  5. What are the long-term effects and potential complications of a radical mastectomy, and how will they be monitored and managed?

  6. How will a radical mastectomy impact my physical appearance, such as scarring, breast shape, and sensation?

  7. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before deciding on a radical mastectomy?

  8. How will a radical mastectomy affect my risk of cancer recurrence and overall prognosis?

  9. Can you provide information on support resources available for patients undergoing a radical mastectomy, such as counseling, support groups, or rehabilitation services?

  10. Are there any ongoing clinical trials or research studies investigating new advancements in surgical techniques for breast cancer that I should be aware of?

Reference

Authors: Liu J, Yu H, He Y, Yan T, Ding Y, Chu J, Gao N, Lin X, Xu Y, He G. Journal: World J Surg Oncol. 2021 Apr 10;19(1):108. doi: 10.1186/s12957-021-02220-7. PMID: 33838675