Lumpectomy
If
other tests have proved inconclusive, a breast lump is removed through a
small incision for further analysis. A lump may also be removed in
this way for cosmetic reasons, or if the lump is painful. A few
specialist centres are now able to offer mammatome excision, where
small, benign lumps can be removed with a specially designed needle.
Mastectomy
This
is an operation to remove the breast tissue affected by breast cancer.
If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm and/or the
underlying muscles of the breast, these may be removed also. Breast
reconstruction surgery is often performed at the same time.
Breast reconstruction surgery
The
breast can be reconstructed using silicone implants, however where
possible, the surgeons at BMI Healthcare will aim to use the patient's own tissue.
The most common technique used is TRAM flap surgery where the breast is
rebuilt using a section of skin, fat and muscle from the abdomen. The
BMI Healthcare surgeons can also offer DIEP flap surgery, which still involves a
section of tissue being transferred from the abdomen, but has the
advantage of leaving the stomach muscle intact.
Lymph node transfer surgery
BMI
Healthcare work with the few hospitals in the world able to offer this new surgery
in which the spare lymph nodes from the groin are transplanted into the
armpit. This has proved to be an effective treatment for lymphoedema
(swelling in the arm and armpit) following breast cancer surgery.
