How long does breast cancer surgery take?

Written by Zhang Chao Jie
Breast Surgery
Updated on December 28, 2024
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The duration of breast cancer surgery varies depending on multiple factors, such as the type of surgery chosen, the surgeon, and the medical institution performing the surgery. Simply put, if a breast-conserving surgery is performed, the operation might only take about half an hour; whereas a typical modified radical mastectomy, which involves removing the entire breast, might take about an hour and a half. If the surgeon is a specialist in a top-tier hospital and performs breast cancer surgeries weekly or even daily, their surgery time is definitely the shortest. Therefore, depending on these factors, the duration can be as short as several tens of minutes to as long as several hours, in the case of reconstructive surgeries where the breast is removed and then reconstructed, which can take six to eight hours. Thus, it cannot be generalized; the duration can be as quick as twenty to thirty minutes or as lengthy as several hours.

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Written by Cui Yu Rong
Breast Surgery
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Postoperative drainage care for breast cancer surgery

After breast cancer surgery, drainage tubes are generally required. Negative pressure drainage ensures that there is no accumulation of fluid after the surgery, and it also allows for observation of any postoperative bleeding. In most cases, if the drainage is substantial, the tube can be removed four to seven days after surgery, but it can generally be removed around three days post-operation. The drainage tube should always be kept clear. If the drainage is obstructed, a small amount of saline water can be used for flushing, or the drainage tube can be moved to achieve adequate drainage. The drainage fluid should be emptied daily, and care must be taken to maintain the sterility of the negative pressure drainage device.

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Written by Zhang Chao Jie
Breast Surgery
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What should not be eaten with breast cancer?

There are specific considerations regarding foods that should be avoided for breast cancer patients. Foods, medications, or health supplements containing sex hormones are absolutely prohibited. The most common source of sex hormones in food is the use of placenta for nourishment, which is a common practice among the Chinese populace but is strictly forbidden in this case. Medications typically involve contraceptives, so it is crucial, especially in younger breast cancer patients, to consider non-medication-based contraception and avoid unplanned pregnancies — these are absolute taboos. Additionally, foods low in fats and cholesterol are not entirely prohibited but should be consumed in moderation.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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Late-stage symptoms of breast cancer

The first symptom of advanced breast cancer is a lump in the breast, which may be larger than before, or there may be multiple lumps that are fixed to the surrounding tissues and have limited mobility. The second symptom is nipple discharge, which could be watery, serous, or milky. The third possible sign is changes in the skin, such as dimpling or an orange-peel texture. The fourth point includes the retraction of the nipple, abnormalities in the areola, and thickening and reddening of the nipple skin. The fifth point can involve pain in the breast. In advanced stages, the cancer may directly invade the nerves. Sixthly, advanced breast cancer may lead to metastases; for example, brain metastases might cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness. If there are bone metastases, especially multiple bone metastases, symptoms could include pain in the lower back and pain along the sciatic nerve, among others.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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How to Prevent Breast Cancer

Since the exact causes of breast cancer are not fully understood, prevention of breast cancer involves early examination. It is recommended that women under the age of 35 undergo a clinical examination every six months and a breast ultrasound once a year. For women over the age of 35, it is advised to have a breast ultrasound every six months and a mammogram once a year. Early detection and early treatment are the most important aspects of breast cancer prevention. Learn self-examination, and if you feel a noticeable lump, it is recommended to regularly visit a breast clinic or surgical clinic for diagnostic tests and treatment.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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What should I do if I have advanced breast cancer with breast necrosis?

Firstly, radiotherapy can be used, localized radiation therapy, which will achieve certain local control effects. It can also provide surgical opportunities for some breast cancer patients who are otherwise inoperable. Additionally, it can relieve pain, reduce compression symptoms, and stop bleeding in ulcerated cancer lesions, thereby improving the patient's quality of life. If chemotherapy is possible, it should be pursued as it can reduce distant and extensive metastases. Then, if surgery is feasible, the ulcerated or already healed surgical incisions can be excised and sutured to improve the patient's quality of life.