Benign Breast Mass Removal Surgery (Fibroadenoma, Cyst)

Overview

Benign (noncancerous) lumps in the breast tissue are a common condition in women. These lumps are usually benign (benign) tumors such as fibroadenomas or cysts. A fibroadenoma is a firm, smooth lump in the breast tissue and is usually seen in young women. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that often develop due to hormonal fluctuations. Benign lumps are usually harmless, but may require surgery if they grow or become bothersome.

When is Surgical Intervention Required?

Removal of breast lumps is often recommended in the following situations:

Rapidly Growing Masses: If a mass is growing and causing discomfort, it may need to be removed.

Uncertain Diagnosis: In cases where a definitive diagnosis cannot be made through biopsy or imaging methods, surgical removal may be performed.

Personal Discomfort: If the mass causes physical discomfort or causes the patient psychological distress, surgery may be preferred.

Risk Factors: In people with a family history of breast cancer, removal of masses, even if benign, may be recommended.

Types of Benign Breast Masses

Fibroadenoma: A hard, rubbery, easily movable mass, usually seen in women under the age of 30. It is usually painless and does not turn into cancer.

Breast Cyst: Fluid-filled sac-shaped cysts can be commonly seen in breast tissue. They occur with hormonal changes, especially in premenopausal women.

Types of Surgery

Surgical removal of benign breast masses varies depending on the size, location, and number of masses. The main surgical methods are:

Lumpectomy: This procedure involves removing only the lump and a small amount of surrounding tissue. It is a minimally invasive procedure and is most often used to remove fibroadenomas and small cysts. Most of the breast tissue is preserved, and the aesthetic results are usually quite good.

Excisional Biopsy: This is a procedure performed for diagnostic purposes or to remove an uncertain mass. It can have both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Aspiration (Needle Drainage): This method is used for fluid-filled cysts by using a thin needle to drain the fluid inside the cyst. This procedure is usually done to shrink or completely remove the cysts without the need for surgery.

Surgical Process and Recovery

Removal of benign breast lumps is usually a short and minimally invasive procedure. Surgery can be performed under general or local anesthesia. Patients are usually discharged the same day after surgery. Recovery is rapid and patients can return to normal activities within a few days.

Healing Process: After surgery, there may be mild pain, swelling, and bruising in the area. Your doctor will give you instructions on painkillers and wound care. Wound care is important to prevent infection.

Aesthetic Results: Removal of breast lumps usually leaves minimal scarring and preserves the shape of the breast aesthetically. Scarring may be more noticeable in larger lumps, but the surgeon plans the procedure with aesthetic concerns in mind.

Possible Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks in removing breast lumps. These risks include:

Infection: Infection may develop in the surgical area, which can be treated with antibiotics.

Bleeding and Hematoma: Bleeding or hematoma (blood accumulation) may occur after surgery.

Scar Formation: Scarring may occur in the surgical area, but it is usually minimal.

Post-Operative Follow-Up

Post-operative follow-up is important. New lumps are monitored in the breast tissue and regular check-ups are performed. Benign lumps may have a risk of recurrence; therefore, regular mammography and ultrasound scans are recommended.

Conclusion

Removal of benign masses in breast tissue is usually a simple and effective procedure. These interventions, performed by experienced surgeons such as Op. Dr. Çağlar Ertekin, aim to protect the patient's health by minimizing aesthetic concerns. With early diagnosis and treatment, such masses cease to be a major problem and the patient regains her health in a short time.