Having a mastectomy is a common treatment option for breast cancer patients. Following the operation, several treatment options can help kill the remaining cancer cells if it has spread, or prevent the cancer from returning.
What Is A Mastectomy?
A mastectomy is a surgical procedure where all of the breast tissue is removed. There are two types of mastectomies, simple and radical. A simple mastectomy removes all the breast tissue while a radical mastectomy also removes the muscle of the chest wall.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemo may be done after a mastectomy only if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Side effects of chemo include hair loss, nausea, vomiting and fever.
Radiation
Radiation uses high-powered beams to destroy cancer cells. Occasionally, doctors may order radiation after a mastectomy if there was a large tumor or the cancer had spread to the skin or nipple. Side effects include fatigue and rashes over the affected area.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy is used against cancers that are sensitive to hormones. Medications either block hormones from attaching to the cancer or stop the production of hormones. This treatment prevents cancer from returning. Side effects vary but can include joint and muscle pain, and sexual side effects.
Reconstructive Surgery
Mastectomy patients often undergo reconstructive breast surgery to restore the shape of the breasts. Breast reconstruction can be done using implants or by cultivating tissue from another area of the body and moving it to the chest.
Tags: cancer cells, after mastectomy, breast tissue, cancer from, cancer from returning, cancer spread
