Our Summary

This study looked at how effective a specific type of breast cancer surgery, called modified radical mastectomy, was for different types of breast cancer. The researchers studied 204 women with breast cancer, who were divided into four groups based on the molecular type of their cancer. The research showed that patients with two particular types of cancer (Luminal A and B) responded better to the treatment and had fewer side effects than those with the other two types (ERBB2+ and Basal-like). However, the overall time it took for the surgery, the amount of blood lost during the operation, and the amount of fluid drained after surgery were similar across all four groups. Before treatment, all four groups had similar quality of life scores. After treatment, the Luminal A group had better scores than the other groups. The survival rates three years after the surgery were also similar across all groups. The researchers concluded that this type of surgery can be used for any molecular type of breast cancer, but it’s particularly effective for Luminal A type.

FAQs

  1. What is the modified radical mastectomy procedure and how was it assessed in this study?
  2. Which types of breast cancer respond better to modified radical mastectomy, according to the research?
  3. Were there any differences in recovery (e.g. surgery time, blood loss, fluid drainage) between the different types of breast cancer after the modified radical mastectomy surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about radical mastectomy is to make sure to follow the recommended post-operative care instructions, including proper wound care, pain management, and physical therapy exercises to aid in recovery and reduce the risk of complications. It is also important to attend regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and address any concerns or questions that may arise. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can help support overall healing and well-being after surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended radical mastectomy are those with larger tumors, tumors that are close to the chest wall, tumors that are located in multiple areas of the breast, or tumors that have spread to nearby lymph nodes. Additionally, patients with inflammatory breast cancer or recurrent breast cancer may also be recommended for radical mastectomy. It is important for patients to discuss their individual case with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for their specific situation.

Timeline

  • Before radical mastectomy:
  1. Patient is diagnosed with breast cancer through a biopsy or imaging tests.
  2. Patient undergoes various tests such as blood tests, imaging scans, and possibly a biopsy to determine the extent and type of cancer.
  3. Patient meets with a medical team to discuss treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of treatments.
  4. Patient may undergo pre-operative procedures such as breast MRI or lymph node mapping to prepare for surgery.
  5. Patient may undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy before surgery to shrink the tumor.
  • After radical mastectomy:
  1. Patient undergoes surgery to remove the entire breast, including the breast tissue, nipple, and lymph nodes in the armpit.
  2. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort in the chest area after surgery.
  3. Patient may have drains placed to remove excess fluid from the surgical site.
  4. Patient may undergo physical therapy to regain range of motion in the arm and shoulder on the side of the surgery.
  5. Patient may receive chemotherapy or radiation therapy after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
  6. Patient may undergo reconstructive surgery to restore the shape and appearance of the breast.
  7. Patient undergoes regular follow-up appointments and screenings to monitor for any signs of recurrence or complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a radical mastectomy and why is it being recommended for me?
  2. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with a radical mastectomy?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a radical mastectomy?
  4. How long is the recovery process after a radical mastectomy and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
  5. Will I need additional treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, after the surgery?
  6. How will a radical mastectomy affect my physical appearance and body image?
  7. What are the chances of the cancer recurring after a radical mastectomy?
  8. What is the long-term outlook for patients who undergo a radical mastectomy?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery to improve my overall health and well-being?
  10. Can you provide me with more information or resources to help me better understand the procedure and make an informed decision?

Reference

Authors: Dong B, Yin X, Xu H, Zhou K, Li L, Tian B, Cui R. Journal: Am J Transl Res. 2022 Apr 15;14(4):2490-2496. eCollection 2022. PMID: 35559370