Decoding Reconstruction After Breast Cancer

Introduction

Breast cancer is one of the most common and deadliest diseases of modern times. Research suggests that breast cancer occurs in women younger than 35 years old and constitutes 11.3% of all breast cancer cases in India.

Today, technological advancements have made it possible to provide such patients with the best treatment. Many women, still in their early stages of cancer can choose between Breast-Conserving Surgery (BCS) and Mastectomy.

Moreover, apart from physical, the patient goes through mental and emotional ordeal due to the many bodily changes that breast cancer brings with it. It is rudiment to screen cancer and be aware of your body and keep re-examining it annually.

According to the National Cancer Institute, prophylactic mastectomy in women who have a family history of cancer or women who carry BRCA and BRCA1 genes can reduce the risk of cancer by 95%. For instance, Angelina Jolie underwent double prophylactic mastectomy back in 2012, to get both her breasts removed in order to avoid the risk of cancer being developed, given she lost her mother to Ovarian Cancer at the age of 56.

Post cancer resection, reconstruction can be performed immediately i.e. primary reconstruction or at a later stage post i.e. secondary reconstruction. Immediate reconstruction is not just advisable but is highly important.

Some of the Benefits of Immediate Reconstruction Are as Follows:

• Lower psychological impact on the patient’s mental health.
• Improved self-confidence and body image.
• The patient does not live in the fear or trauma of losing her breast(s).
• Minimum recovery time as immediate reconstruction is performed post-resection; it can be accomplished under a single surgical procedure.
• Immediate reconstruction is significantly less expensive and entails cost-benefits for patients.

Breast Reconstruction Post Cancer

There are three broad categories of breast reconstruction. Following are some of the procedures used to reconstruct breasts post-mastectomy or lumpectomy.

1. Breast Reconstruction Using Implants and Expanders

Breast implant reconstruction is the most common technique for Breast-Conserving Surgery (BRC) worldwide. Post cancer removal, the patient can choose from a plethora of implants; mainly – Saline, Silicone, etc. The correct type of implant varies from patient to patient. Usually, very large breasts are not suited for implants and small breast implants are advisable.

• In Prophylactic mastectomy, where both breast tissues are removed but the skin is not, implants are a good choice.

• In case of simple resection where extra skin is left, implants are placed below the chest muscle so that it is well covered.

• If the skin is removed along with the breast and the patient still insists for an implant, the patient is advised to opt for Expander Implants.

Expander implant consists of a saline injection port and is gradually expanded to a desirable level (200 ccs, 400 ccs) once attached. It could be used permanently or replaced with gel implants after they reach proper expansion.

2. Breast Reconstruction using Flaps

”Post cancer treatment, if the patient requires radiation therapy; implants should be avoided altogether. In that case, the patient must opt for flap surgery/tissue replacement”

Flap surgeries are performed without the help of any foreign body. These procedures use tissues from other parts of the body such as the tummy, thighs, back, etc in order to reconstruct the breasts. They include Local Flap surgery and Free Flap surgery, also commonly called Microvascular Surgery. Examples of Local Flap surgery include TRAM  flap surgery, LD (Latissimus Dorsi) flap surgery.

Some examples of Free Flap (Microvascular procedures) are:

• DIEP Flap Surgery: The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) artery runs through the lower abdomen. The procedure, which is based on the name of the artery, involves microvascular surgery where the skin along with blood vessels is removed from the abdomen and reattached to the patient’s chest arteries.
• Borrowing from the extra belly fat and crafting a breast out of it, it is considered one of the best and most advanced methods for breast reconstruction.
• Other such microsurgical procedures also involve the   SIEA  and  TUG flap reconstruction.

3. Breast Reconstruction through Fat Grafting

Fat Grafting is performed post Breast-Conserving Surgery (BCS). BCS is commonly done in partial removal of breasts or when dealing with small breasts.

Recently surgeons are venturing into the fat grafting method of reconstructing implants to make them look more natural. This is a relatively new technique for reconstruction. Since implants don’t look that natural and sometimes one could look different or saggier than the other.

Possible Risks Attached to Breast Implant Surgery

As an implant is attached to a foreign body, it may take some time to settle and accept the patient’s body. Some of the health risks include:

• Implant Extrusion: One of the most critical risks associated with the surgery is breast extrusion. In some cases, where the skin is very thin, the implant may explode. In such cases, the doctors try to place the implants below the chest muscle.
• Capsular Contraction: This breast augmentation complication involves contraction or tightening of the implants. It forms a capsule around the implant which makes it look unnatural.
• An infection might occur in the implants.

Although, once the implant is settled, the patient’s body accepts it; there are not many long-term complications. In the future, many modifications or correction surgeries can be performed such as breast enlargement, etc.

Follow-ups Post Breast Implants: What to Expect?

Recovery downtime with Implant is less as compared to DIEP Flap Surgery. Mostly mammography and other tests constitute pre-operative procedures. Post breast reconstruction, the diagnostic modality is usually an MRI. Mammography is of no value once the breast is out.

Can the Cancer Return after Reconstruction?

It is highly unlikely for cancer to return post-surgery since the breast tissue is removed. However, there are certain pre-existing seeds that are invisible to the naked eye and develop over time. It is not about cancer recurrence but a manifestation of Metastasis where cancer cells roam in the blood, especially in the later stages and develop in other organs like the liver, brain, etc.

Most common is the development of cancer in the axillary lymph nodes of the armpit. It’s therefore advised to remove these while performing breast resection.

What are the Follow-up Protocols?

One of the most important diagnostic procedures is a PET CT Scan to detect the presence or spread of cancer after surgery.   Other protocols involve keeping in touch with the Plastic Surgery Team or cancer support groups for confidence building.

Conclusion

Breast Reconstruction can be performed immediately or after a year or two after the resection surgery. The primary motive is always to get rid of cancer; however, immediate reconstruction is crucial to a patient’s mental health.

Patient’s at a very later stage of cancer are advised to opt for secondary reconstruction where they get to follow up for at least a year in order to avoid cancer recurrence. Even though getting rid of cancer is highly crucial, the lack of awareness about breast implants or breast reconstruction, especially in India, needs to be acknowledged.

Breast Reconstruction boasts the confidence of patients. Immediate reconstruction positively empowers the patient’s mental health and body image.   And she never feels that she has lost her breast. It is highly recommended to spread awareness about the importance of breast reconstruction and its impact on a patient’s overall health.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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