When a doctor performs cancer surgery on a patient, the primary goal is to remove as much cancer as possible.

While there are nonsurgical alternatives, they may prove to be less effective.

In such cases, Dr. Soumen Das, a breast cancer surgeon in Kolkata, recommends a modified radical mastectomy (MRM) for breast cancer patients.

MRM is a procedure that involves the complete removal of the breast — skin, breast tissue, areola, and nipple — and the majority of the axillary (armpit) lymph nodes.

However, the majority of the chest muscles are preserved.

Types of MRM

There are two distinct types of MRM:

  • Patey modified radical mastectomy – In this type of surgery, the pectoralis major muscle is preserved, but the pectoralis minor muscle is not.
  • Auchincloss modified radical mastectomy – In this type of surgery, both the pectoralis major and minor are preserved.

Modified radical mastectomy procedure

The overall objective of an MRM is to eradicate all or the majority of cancer while preserving as much healthy skin tissue as possible, says the best breast cancer doctor in Kolkata. This enables surgeons to perform an effective breast reconstruction following proper healing.

Consult your physician to determine the specific steps you should take before surgery.

Typically, preparation entails discontinuing certain medications or supplements. Additionally, you may be asked to use an antiseptic soap.

You will be sedated for the MRM.

Following that, your doctor will mark your chest in preparation for incisions.

Your doctor will make a single incision across your chest and carefully pull your skin back far enough to remove your breast tissue. Additionally, they will remove most of the lymph nodes under your arm.

The entire procedure typically lasts between two and three hours.

After removing your lymph nodes, your doctor will examine them to determine if cancer has spread to or through them to other parts of your body.

Additionally, your physician will insert thin plastic tubes into the breast area to drain any excess fluid. They can remain in your chest for up to one and a half to two weeks.

Modified radical mastectomy risks and complications

As with any breast cancer surgery in Kolkata, MRM can cause certain complications. According to Dr. Soumen Das, here are the risks that patients should know about:

  • discomfort or tenderness
  • bleeding
  • swelling in your arm or incision site
  • redness and warmth at the incision site, which may indicate infection
  • limited arm movement
  • numbness
  • seroma, or fluid accumulation beneath the wound site
  • hematoma, or blood accumulation in the wound

Consult your doctor upon experiencing any of these.If you have any further questions about treatment options for breast cancer, call Dr. Soumen Das at 9903313777. To book an appointment, visit https://www.drsoumendas.com/.