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Breast cancer
How long does breast cancer surgery take?
There are many types of surgery for breast cancer clinically, and the most commonly used currently are the modified radical mastectomy and breast-conserving surgery for breast cancer. The timing of the breast cancer surgery, the specific surgical method, anesthesia method, the proficiency of the surgeon, and whether rapid pathology is needed during surgery are all factors that affect the duration; therefore, the surgery time is not fixed. In most cases, the modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer takes about two hours. If rapid pathology is needed during the surgery, the time may also be extended accordingly, so it needs to be determined based on the specific situation.
Male breast cancer generally occurs at what age?
The general age of onset for male breast cancer is between 65 and 67 years old, which is about five to ten years later than the onset age for female breast cancer. Male breast cancer is a relatively rare malignancy, accounting for only 0.6% to 1% of all breast cancer cases, meaning that out of 100 breast cancer patients, approximately one is male. The development of male breast cancer is caused by multiple factors, which may include genetic factors, environmental influences, and also related to levels of hormone secretion from the endocrine system.
Does breast cancer cause hair loss in the early stages?
Breast cancer generally does not directly cause hair loss. In some cases, if it is breast cancer, it may cause anxiety, poor rest, and sleep quality, which might lead to relatively noticeable hair loss. However, hair loss associated with breast cancer mainly occurs during chemotherapy, as it is a common side effect of the treatment. Therefore, apart from chemotherapy, the relationship between breast cancer itself and hair loss is not particularly significant. While some people may experience noticeable hair loss, most do not have obvious hair loss.
How long does breast cancer surgery take?
The duration of breast cancer surgery varies depending on multiple factors, such as the type of surgery chosen, the surgeon, and the medical institution performing the surgery. Simply put, if a breast-conserving surgery is performed, the operation might only take about half an hour; whereas a typical modified radical mastectomy, which involves removing the entire breast, might take about an hour and a half. If the surgeon is a specialist in a top-tier hospital and performs breast cancer surgeries weekly or even daily, their surgery time is definitely the shortest. Therefore, depending on these factors, the duration can be as short as several tens of minutes to as long as several hours, in the case of reconstructive surgeries where the breast is removed and then reconstructed, which can take six to eight hours. Thus, it cannot be generalized; the duration can be as quick as twenty to thirty minutes or as lengthy as several hours.
Postoperative drainage care for breast cancer surgery
After breast cancer surgery, drainage tubes are generally required. Negative pressure drainage ensures that there is no accumulation of fluid after the surgery, and it also allows for observation of any postoperative bleeding. In most cases, if the drainage is substantial, the tube can be removed four to seven days after surgery, but it can generally be removed around three days post-operation. The drainage tube should always be kept clear. If the drainage is obstructed, a small amount of saline water can be used for flushing, or the drainage tube can be moved to achieve adequate drainage. The drainage fluid should be emptied daily, and care must be taken to maintain the sterility of the negative pressure drainage device.
How to Prevent Breast Cancer
Since the exact causes of breast cancer are not fully understood, prevention of breast cancer involves early examination. It is recommended that women under the age of 35 undergo a clinical examination every six months and a breast ultrasound once a year. For women over the age of 35, it is advised to have a breast ultrasound every six months and a mammogram once a year. Early detection and early treatment are the most important aspects of breast cancer prevention. Learn self-examination, and if you feel a noticeable lump, it is recommended to regularly visit a breast clinic or surgical clinic for diagnostic tests and treatment.
Early manifestations of breast cancer
Early-stage breast cancer is primarily characterized by a single, painless small lump, which is hard with unclear boundaries and a rough surface, blending indistinguishably with surrounding tissues and difficult to move within the breast. It is usually discovered accidentally or while bathing. Swollen lymph nodes may be present, and the nipple may be inverted with possible bloody discharge. As the tumor grows, it may invade the Cooper's ligaments, causing the skin to dimple, a condition known as peau d'orange. These are all early symptoms of breast cancer. If the condition progresses, it may lead to a skin texture resembling orange peel.
How long does breast cancer metastasis take?
How long does it take for breast cancer to metastasize? There is no absolute scientific data on this issue. Based on data from theoretical animal experiments, metastasis can occur within a few hours, tens of hours, several days, or even years. It should be understood in this way. I believe your question primarily concerns how long after breast cancer surgery metastasis might typically occur. Generally speaking, after comprehensive treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and endocrine therapy, the earliest metastases appear within a year. The peak incidence for most people is between two to three years after treatment, making this period critical for frequent check-ups. During the first two years, stringent, thorough examinations every three months are essential. After two years, check-ups every six months continue from the third to the fifth year. After five years, annual physical examinations are recommended. A second peak period for recurrence occurs around eight to nine years post-surgery, which is why the frequency of examinations increases again during this time.
Can breast cancer be contagious?
Breast cancer is not contagious. Infectious diseases have their natural characteristics. For instance, respiratory infectious diseases and even hepatitis can be transmitted through certain pathways. Cancer, including breast cancer, is not communicable. To date, medical research has found no evidence suggesting that cancer can be spread from person to person. Only about 5% of cancers have a genetic component. Consider this: if cancer were contagious, wouldn't medical professionals, aside from the patients' families, be the most affected group? However, how many health care providers have contracted cancer from their patients? Thus, it can be stated that breast cancer is not contagious.
Breast cancer symptoms
The symptoms of breast cancer depend on the severity of the cancer and whether there are any signs of metastasis or recurrence. It is important to emphasize that over 90% of breast cancer cases do not involve pain as a symptom. This means that the earliest symptoms of breast cancer are usually determined by whether the cancer is in its early or late stages. Early-stage breast cancer may have no symptoms at all, or there may be signs such as a lump or hard nodule in the breast, discharge from the nipple, especially coffee-colored or bloody discharge. Late-stage symptoms can include changes in the skin of the breast resembling the texture of an orange peel, palpable large lymph nodes in the armpit that are hard but neither painful nor itchy. If the cancer has metastasized to the lungs, chest cavity, pleura, liver, bones, or head, symptoms might include chest pain, coughing, difficulty breathing, abdominal distention, bone pain or fractures, as well as headaches, eye pressure, and dizziness, among others. Therefore, the symptoms of breast disease depend on whether the cancer is in its early stages; if it is in a late stage and has metastasized to other parts, corresponding symptoms will be present. It is also important to remember that early-stage breast cancer may not show any symptoms at all.