2020 PPP magazine

Page 44 2020 Paint the Paper Pink Lincoln Daily News October 2020 Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is a procedure in which the surgeon removes many (usually less than 20) underarm lymph nodes. ALND is not done as often as it was in the past, but it might still be the best way to look at the lymph nodes in some situations. To learn more about these procedures, see Lymph Node Surgery for Breast Cancer. Breast reconstruction after surgery Many woman having surgery for breast cancer might have the option of breast reconstruction. A woman having a mastectomy might want to consider having the breast mound rebuilt to restore the breast’s appearance after surgery. In some breast-conserving surgeries, a woman may consider having fat grafted into the affected breast to correct any dimples left from the surgery. The options will depend on each woman’s situation. There are several types of reconstructive surgery, but your options may depend on your medical situation and personal preferences. You may have a choice between having breast reconstruction at the same time as the breast cancer surgery (immediate reconstruction) or at a later time (delayed reconstruction). If you are thinking about having reconstructive surgery, it’s a good idea to discuss it with your breast surgeon and a plastic surgeon before your mastectomy or BCS. This gives the surgical team time to plan out the treatment options that might be best for you, even if you wait and have the reconstructive surgery later. To learn about different breast reconstruction options, see our section on Breast Reconstruction Surgery. Surgery for advanced breast cancer Although surgery is very unlikely to cure breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, it can still be helpful in some situations, either as a way to slow the spread of the cancer, or to help prevent or relieve symptoms from it. For example, surgery might be used: When the breast tumor is causing an open wound in the breast (or chest) To treat a small number of areas of cancer spread (metastases) in a certain part of the body, such as the brain When an area of cancer spread is pressing on the spinal cord To treat a blockage in the liver To provide relief of pain or other symptoms If your doctor recommends surgery for advanced breast cancer, it’s important that you understand whether it’s to try to cure the cancer or to prevent or treat symptoms. Wire localization to guide surgery Sometimes, if the cancer in your breast can’t be felt, is hard to find, and/or is difficult to get to, the surgeon might use a mammogram or ultrasound to guide a wire to the right spot. This is called wire localization or needle localization. If a mammogram is used you may hear the term stereotactic wire localization. Rarely, MRI might be used if the mammogram or ultrasound are not successful. CONTINUE