Our Summary

This research paper looks at a common yet serious complication that can occur after a certain type of breast cancer surgery, where the skin can start to die off. This condition can affect up to 30% of patients and treating it can range from applying dressings to requiring further surgery. It can also significantly impact a patient’s physical and mental health, as well as increase treatment costs. The main goal of the study was to identify affordable, non-surgical ways to prevent this from happening.

The researchers looked at a number of existing studies and found that certain treatments significantly reduced the risk of skin dying off after surgery. These treatments included a specific type of ointment (nitroglycerin or dimethyl sulfoxide), a wound therapy method, a drug called cilostazol, and the use of local heat.

The study concludes that these treatments can be helpful in preventing skin damage after breast cancer surgery, especially for patients at high risk. However, further research is needed to establish standard treatment guidelines and to compare the effectiveness of these methods in different situations.

FAQs

  1. What is the common complication that can occur after certain types of breast cancer surgery?
  2. What treatments were identified in the study that can help prevent skin damage after breast cancer surgery?
  3. What is the next step in the research after finding these potential treatments?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip that a doctor might tell a patient about mastectomy is to carefully follow post-operative care instructions to reduce the risk of complications such as skin damage. This may include keeping the surgical site clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activities that could strain the area, and promptly reporting any signs of infection or skin changes to your healthcare provider. Additionally, discussing potential preventive treatments with your doctor, such as the use of ointments or wound therapy methods, may also be beneficial in reducing the risk of skin complications after surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended mastectomy include those with:

  • Large or multiple tumors in the breast
  • Inflammatory breast cancer
  • Triple-negative breast cancer
  • BRCA gene mutations
  • Recurrent breast cancer
  • Patients with a strong family history of breast cancer
  • Patients who have had previous radiation therapy to the breast area
  • Patients with a high risk of developing breast cancer

It is important for patients to discuss their individual situation with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their specific diagnosis and risk factors.

Timeline

Before the mastectomy:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoes various tests to determine the extent of the disease.
  2. Patient consults with a surgeon to discuss treatment options, including mastectomy.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative preparations, which may include imaging scans, blood tests, and consultations with other healthcare providers.
  4. Patient undergoes mastectomy surgery, which involves the removal of the breast tissue.
  5. Patient may experience pain, discomfort, and emotional distress following the surgery.

After the mastectomy:

  1. Patient is monitored closely in the hospital for any complications, such as infection or bleeding.
  2. Patient may require additional treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, depending on the stage and type of breast cancer.
  3. Patient may experience physical changes, such as loss of sensation in the chest area and changes in body image.
  4. Patient begins the recovery process, which may involve physical therapy, emotional support, and follow-up appointments with healthcare providers.
  5. Patient may consider options for breast reconstruction, if desired.
  6. Patient may experience long-term side effects, such as lymphedema or psychological distress.
  7. Patient undergoes regular follow-up appointments and screenings to monitor for any signs of cancer recurrence.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with mastectomy surgery?

  2. How likely am I to experience skin death or other complications after mastectomy surgery?

  3. Are there any specific factors that may increase my risk of developing skin death after mastectomy surgery?

  4. What steps can I take to reduce my risk of skin death after mastectomy surgery?

  5. Are there any non-surgical treatment options available to prevent skin death after mastectomy surgery?

  6. What are the potential side effects of the recommended treatments for preventing skin death after mastectomy surgery?

  7. How effective are these treatments in reducing the risk of skin death after mastectomy surgery?

  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or self-care measures I can take to improve my healing process after mastectomy surgery?

  9. What should I do if I notice any signs or symptoms of skin damage after mastectomy surgery?

  10. How frequently should I follow up with my healthcare provider to monitor my healing progress after mastectomy surgery?

Reference

Authors: Tang N, Li H, Chow Y, Blake W. Journal: ANZ J Surg. 2023 Jan;93(1-2):65-75. doi: 10.1111/ans.18146. Epub 2022 Nov 14. PMID: 36373495