Mastectomy (breast removal) in Turkey : Complete guide 2024

Mastectomy: what is it?

Mastectomy is the surgical removal of a breast. This procedure, in most cases, is necessary for women with breast cancer or at high risk of developing it.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Indeed, it is therefore easy to understand the importance of a mastectomy for therapeutic purposes.

There are different operating modes. Certainly, the choice of one method rather than another belongs to the surgeon and depends on the severity of the tumor.

The removal of one or both breasts can lead to various inconveniences, especially in women. Therefore, it is also possible to opt for breast reconstruction surgery.

Peculiarities of breast removal in Turkey

Mastectomy is performed in Turkey in the case of :

• A large tumor mass disproportionate to the affected breast.
• A tumor that has formed in more than one part of the breast.
• A tumor lesion (ductal carcinoma in situ) that has affected a large part of the breast.

Once a tumor has been diagnosed, it is important to act quickly to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body.

Breast removal in Turkey can also be preventive. In other words, it can be performed on women who do not have breast cancer but are at high risk of developing it. 

For those who are not at high risk, mastectomy is not recommended.

Types of mastectomy

Several mastectomy techniques are available in Turkey. The choice of the most appropriate technique depends on the size and location of the tumor and the general health of the patient:

Preoperative phase of the mastectomy

In Turkey, breast cancer treatment often involves mastectomy. A crucial preoperative phase may be necessary to optimize results and minimize the invasiveness of surgery. This phase may include drug treatments such as chemotherapy and hormone therapy.

Chemotherapy is a therapy designed to kill rapidly growing cells, including cancer cells. Hormone therapy is used to block the activity of the hormone estrogen, one of the main causes of breast cancer.

Explanations of mastectomy surgery

Before proceeding with a mastectomy, the attending physician must take the time to provide the patient with a clear and complete explanation of the entire procedure. This explanation must include all aspects of the surgery, including the possibility of breast reconstruction. This is not a step to be neglected. A good understanding and psychological acceptance of the surgery by the patient is the key to a calm surgical experience and a favorable recovery.

Therefore, the patient should follow certain preoperative instructions:

• Do not eat or drink in order to cope with the general anesthesia.
• Stop smoking.
• Complete preoperative examination (to assess the patient's health and identify any medical problems requiring special attention).

Performing breast removal in Turkey

There are several types of mastectomy, or removal of the breast, depending on the extent and aggressiveness of the tumor. Advanced tumors require more extensive removal, including not only the breast but also the axillary lymph nodes and underlying pectoral muscles. For smaller tumors, a less invasive approach may be considered at the best price in Turkey.

Regardless of the type of mastectomy, general anesthesia is always required.

Results of the operation

Recent advances in surgical techniques in Turkey have made mastectomy an increasingly effective treatment option for breast cancer. The scars are now inconspicuous, the risks associated with the procedure are under control, and postoperative recovery is rapid.

However, the success of mastectomy also depends on the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis. Early diagnosis greatly increases the chances of cure, even for aggressive cancers. Conversely, breast cancer detected at an advanced stage may have a less favorable prognosis, even with a perfectly performed mastectomy.