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Patient Education Company
Your doctor has recommended that you have a total mastectomy. But what does that actually mean?
Total Mastectomy is the removal of the breast.
In most cases, mastectomy is required in order to remove cancerous tissue from the body.
The extent of tissue removed is determined by the amount of cancer present in your body.
Patient Education
A total mastectomy involves the removal the breast, but not the removal of lymph nodes or chest muscle that lies underneath the breast.
Your doctor has recommended that you undergo a total mastectomy because the cancer in your breast has progressed to the point that it is in danger of spreading into other parts of your body and the only way to make sure that all of the disease has been eliminated is to remove the entire breast.
This is major surgery and the procedure will permanently change the outward shape and appearance of your chest. So make sure that you ask your doctor to carefully explain the reasons behind this recommendation.
Patient Education Company
On the day of your operation, you will be asked to put on a surgical gown.
You may receive a sedative by mouth ...
... and an intravenous line may be put in.
You will then be transferred to the operating table.
In the operating room, a nurse will begin preparation by clipping or shaving your underarm.Patient Education
The anesthesiologist will begin to administer anesthesia - most probably general anesthesia by injection and inhalation mask.
The surgeon will then apply an antiseptic solution to the skin ...
... and place a sterile drape around the operative site.
Two incisions will be made beginning at the middle of the chest ...
- one along the top and one along the bottom of the breast - coming together just under the arm.Patient Education
The skin is then lifted up and away, revealing the tissue underneath.
Beginning at the clavicle - or collar bone - the surgeon then begins to carefully cut the breast tissue away from the muscles that lie just beneath.
When the breast has been completely freed, it is lifted away, exposing the top layer of muscle, called the pectoralis major. If the cancer has spread to this muscle, your doctor may elect remove it as well.Patient Education
When the surgical team is satisfied that they have done all that they can to remove the cancer, they will release the muscles and other tissue.
One or more drainage tubes will be temporarily inserted at the site while the healing process begins.
They will then close the incision.
Finally, a sterile bandage is applied.
Your doctor understands that all medical care benefits from close collaboration between physician and patient -- so be sure to review, with your doctor, all risks and alternatives and make sure you understand the reasons behind the recommendation for this particular procedure.
Patient Education
Now let's talk in detail about the procedure your doctor has recommended. That particular recommendation was based on a number of factors: * the state of your health, * the severity of your condition, * an assessment of alternative treatments or procedures and finally, * the risks associated with doing nothing at all.
Patient Education
And remember, the final decision is up to you. No one can force you to undergo a surgical procedure against your will.
In the case of any form of mastectomy as a treatment for cancer,
the only real alternatives to surgery are radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
But because breast cancer is so potentially dangerous, most patients who undergo mastectomy also receive radiation therapy, chemotherapy or both.
In any case, your doctor has recommended this procedure because he or she believes that surgery is in your best interest and may even be vital to your survival.
Choosing not to have this surgery could put your health and life at grave risk.
You must make sure to talk with your doctor about all of your concerns before making a decision. But as with all cancer treatments, the decision to act should be made as soon as possible.
Now I'd like to introduce you to another important member of the medical team -- the nurse.
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