Treatment of breast cancer can be overwhelming, especially when you hear terms like “oncoplastic surgery.” Just be at ease; everything will be made easy for you with this article. Oncoplastic breast surgery is a modern approach that merges cancer surgery with plastic surgery techniques to remove tumors with the preservation of the natural shape and appearance of the breast. That’s a win-win for those seeking not just good treatment but better cosmetic results.
Let’s break it down with types of oncoplastic breast surgeries, what makes each unique, and how to choose the one that’s best for you.
What is Oncoplastic Surgery?
Before we delve into the types, let’s understand what “oncoplastic surgery” is. Traditional breast cancer surgery simply aimed to remove the tumor without minding the shape or the aesthetic appearance of the breast after surgery. Oncoplastic surgery goes a step ahead in that; it removes the malignant tissue and utilizes cosmetic surgical techniques to restore the breast.
This approach is especially useful for women with bigger breasts, complex tumors, or those who want to be confident about their appearance post-surgery.
Two Main Categories of Oncoplastic Surgery
There are two major categories of oncoplastic breast surgeries:
- Level 1 Oncoplastic Surgery
- Level 2 Oncoplastic Surgery
The type that’s right for you depends on the size of your tumor, the amount of breast tissue that needs to be removed, and your natural breast size.
1. Level 1 Oncoplastic Surgery
What is it?
Level 1 oncoplastic surgery is usually the appropriate type of surgery when only minor volumes of tissue (no more than 20% of the breast) are excised. This procedure allows easy rearrangement of the remaining tissue so that the final scar pattern is not noticeable, preserving the breast’s aesthetic appearance.
How it’s done:
In this process, the surgeon cuts out the cancerous tissue, gently repositioning what’s left to close up the defect. Techniques like skin flaps or internal sutures are used to preserve the form of the breast.
Suitable for:
- Small tumor (stage one).
- Moderate-sized or large breasts.
- Those who require the smallest tissue removal but want to avoid visible dents or deformation.
Advantages:
- The shortest recovery period.
- It minimizes cosmetic disruption.
- It can be done along with the procedure of a lumpectomy.
Issues:
- If a larger amount of tissue needs to be removed, this method may not be adequate.
- It may not be suitable for women with smaller breasts, as rearrangement of tissue can be very challenging.
2. Level 2 Oncoplastic Surgery
What is it?
Level 2 oncoplastic surgery is for cases wherein more than 20% of the breast tissue needs to be removed. This method will involve the use of more advanced techniques of plastic surgery, including reduction or reshaping of the breast, to restore the breast’s appearance.
How it’s done:
The surgeon sculpts the remaining breast tissue to achieve almost identical results to a breast reduction procedure. Generally, both breasts undergo the surgery so that there will be some semblance of symmetry between them.
Ideal for:
- Larger tumor or more progressed breast cancer.
- Women who have more considerable breast sizes; the operation could reduce it.
- For patients who have aesthetic concerns in case they undergo removal of extensive tissue.
Advantages:
- Ensures that there is some resemblance to normal breast configuration.
- Can be helpful in alleviating back or neck pain in women with large breasts.
- Good outcomes for cases where much tissue needs to be removed.
Considerations:
- Recovery is a little longer than Level 1.
- Scarring can be more prominent, but it does fade over time.
- Not suitable for women with very small breasts, as it can make the breast too distorted.
Other Specialized Oncoplastic Procedures
There are also two other types of procedures that are specialized:
1. Volume Replacement Techniques
The space will be filled using tissue from another part of your body. For example, the surgeon can use tissue from your back (latissimus dorsi flap) or abdomen to fill the space. This is meant to help restore the breast’s size and shape.
Good for:
Women with smaller breasts or those who have had a lot of tissue removed.
2. Breast Reconstruction
If a lumpectomy or mastectomy has seriously changed the shape of your breast, reconstruction may be an option. This includes implants or tissue flaps to replace the entire breast.
Suitable for:
- Any woman who has undergone mastectomy removal of the whole breast.
- Any woman looking for a fully restored breast.
Which Onco-Plastic surgery is right for you?
There are several factors to keep in mind while choosing a surgery for you:
1. Tumor Size and Location
- Tumors that are small can usually be treated with Level 1.
- More advanced or larger tumors will often require Level 2 or even more specialized approaches.
2. Breast Size
- Larger-breasted women often benefit from a Level 2 procedure as the size of the breast is also reduced.
- Smaller-breasted women likely need volume replacement techniques to reshape.
3. Your Preferences
- Are you more concerned about your recovery time or the aesthetic outcome? Make sure to talk about your goals with your surgeon.
4. Medical Considerations
- Your doctor will understand your medical background, the anatomy of your breasts, and your likelihood of needing further radiation treatments.
The Bottom Line
Breast oncoplasty has truly changed breast cancer treatment and has evolved with one main principle: you don’t have to choose between health and appearance. Whether it’s a small adjustment (Level 1) or a more substantive change in shape (Level 2), both are available. It is really important to ask your breast surgeon and oncology team questions, share your concerns, and most importantly, talk with them about how you want to look and feel after surgery.
