Breast Surgery

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, and survival is significantly higher with early diagnosis. The treatment plan is personalized according to tumor type, hormone receptor status, HER2 expression, and stage.

Overview

The survival outcomes of breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy plus radiotherapy) and mastectomy are similar. Sentinel lymph node biopsy prevents unnecessary axillary dissection. Hormonal, targeted, and immunotherapies are important parts of treatment.

Who Is It For?

  • Women in whom a suspicious lesion is detected on mammography, ultrasound, or MRI
  • Patients diagnosed with invasive or in situ cancer by biopsy
  • Individuals with a family history and BRCA1/2 mutation carriers
  • Those previously found to have high-risk atypical pathology
  • Individuals under high-risk surveillance

Treatment Process

  1. 1

    Pre-Assessment & Diagnosis

    The diagnosis is confirmed and the stage of the disease clarified through a detailed history, physical examination and the necessary imaging and laboratory tests.

  2. 2

    Planning & Preparation

    An anaesthesia consultation, bleeding profile and review of any accompanying conditions are carried out; a multidisciplinary council decision is taken when needed.

  3. 3

    Procedure / Operation

    The procedure is performed with the technique most suitable for the patient (laparoscopic, robotic or open); tissue integrity and oncological principles are preserved.

  4. 4

    Follow-up & Monitoring

    Early mobilization, pain control and wound monitoring are provided; suture removal and a general assessment check-up are planned after discharge.

Recovery & Aftercare

Pain after breast surgery is generally mild to moderate; arm exercises begin on the second to third day and drain monitoring is carried out.

Hospital Stay

0-3 days

Recovery Time

2-4 weeks

Follow-up

Day 10 and week 4

Frequently Asked Questions

Is breast-conserving surgery suitable for every patient?

Tumor size, its ratio to breast volume, multifocality, and genetic status are evaluated together. In appropriately selected cases it is equivalent to mastectomy in terms of survival.

What is sentinel lymph node biopsy?

It is the method in which the first axillary lymph node draining from the tumor is evaluated. If it is negative, axillary clearance is not needed; this significantly reduces the risk of arm swelling (lymphedema).

Should I have a BRCA test?

Genetic testing is recommended in cases of breast or ovarian cancer at a young age, multiple family cases, and triple-negative type cancer. The result has a direct effect on clinical decisions.

How long does hormone therapy last?

In hormone receptor positive cases, a standard 5 to 10 years of endocrine therapy (tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor) is recommended; the duration is determined according to the level of risk.

The medical information on this page has been reviewed by Prof. Dr. Vahit Onur Gül. Last updated: 31 Temmuz 2026.
This information is for general guidance only and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician about your symptoms.
Content officer / site editor: vahitonurgul@hotmail.com