It is basically driven by three heads
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
Surgery had changed like never before
Mastectomy : This procedure essentially involves removal of the entire breast and the associated glands in the armpit (axillary lymph nodes). Previously the entire muscle of the chest wall was also removed. (Pectoralis major). However now the procedure performed is called MODIFIED RADICAL MASTECTOMY in which the muscles are preserved. SIMPLE MASTECTOMY is done in cases of prophylactic mastectomy like in the recent case of a Hollywood celebrity where only the breast tissue is removed and the axillary glands are spared.
Conservative surgery : The biggest change in surgery is that many patients with breast cancer need not undergo complete removal of the breast. They can go in for partial removal or conservative surgery of the breast.
Reconstructive surgery : Nowadays plastic surgeons can do a wonderful job in reconstructing the breast using the body's own tissue, implants and other techniques to give a near normal breast. This helps to preserve the body image and restores the confidence of the individual.