5 surgical treatments for breast cancer

Radical mastectomy has always been the standard surgical procedure for treating breast cancer. In the 1950s, extended radical mastectomy was proposed. In the past 20 years, it has been found that extended radical mastectomy does not have much benefit for patients. Through biological behavior research, the view that breast cancer is a systemic disease has been proposed, focusing on reducing the scope of surgery and strengthening postoperative adjuvant therapy. The five surgical methods currently used are all therapeutic surgeries rather than palliative surgeries.

1. Radical mastectomy for breast cancer

The scope of resection includes the entire breast, pectoralis major and minor muscles, axillary and subclavian lymph nodes. This operation is relatively traumatic and requires a clear diagnosis before the operation.

2. Extended radical mastectomy for breast cancer

That is, on the basis of radical mastectomy, the thoracic cavity, veins and surrounding lymph nodes are removed at the same time.

3. Modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer

There are two surgical procedures: one is to retain the pectoralis major muscle and remove the pectoralis minor muscle; the other is to retain the pectoralis major and minor muscles. This procedure retains the pectoralis muscle and has a good postoperative appearance, and is currently the most commonly used.

4. Total mastectomy

The scope of resection includes the entire breast, including the axillary tail and the pectoralis major muscle fascia. This procedure is suitable for patients with carcinoma in situ, microcancer and elderly breast cancer patients.

5. Breast-conserving mastectomy

It is suitable for breast cancer with a mass less than 2cm. The resection range includes the mass and axillary lymph nodes. Postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy are required.