Is Mastectomy the Only Option for Breast Cancer? We Helped Her Avoid the Unbearable "Pain"

In the course of breast cancer treatment, women must not only confront the threat of the disease but also endure the psychological stress of altered body image. Today, with continuous breakthroughs in medical technology, nipple-sparing mastectomy with breast reconstruction offers a new treatment option for breast cancer patients, allowing them to regain confidence and beauty while overcoming the disease.

In April of this year, Ms. Ou was diagnosed with locally advanced breast cancer in her right breast. Faced with this sudden blow, she resolutely chose to pursue active treatment. After a series of examinations, she came to the Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Diagnosis and Treatment Center at HeYou Hospital, becoming the first patient at our hospital to receive neoadjuvant therapy for breast cancer and undergo successful surgery.Neoadjuvant therapy involves administering systemic chemotherapy before local treatments such as surgery or radiation, aiming to shrink the tumor, reduce its stage, thereby offering surgical opportunities for inoperable patients while increasing the possibility of breast-conserving surgery. This approach also allows doctors to observe the tumor's response to drugs, providing a basis for subsequent treatment.

Throughout the treatment, Ms. Ou fully cooperated with the doctor's plan. After multiple cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the breast and axillary lesions significantly reduced, showing remarkable efficacy. However, due to the large size and multiplicity of the lesions at initial diagnosis, she still faced the reality of mastectomy, which caused her immense psychological distress.

Facing the patient's predicament, Chief Expert of the HeYou Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Dr. Wang Xiaohua, proposed a solution: performing a nipple-sparing mastectomy with breast reconstruction for Ms. Ou.

This procedure involves removing the breast tissue while preserving the nipple-areola complex and implanting a prosthetic implant, helping patients restore a natural chest contour alongside physical recovery. The size and shape of the implant can be customized according to the patient's needs to meet individual aesthetic requirements.

On the day of surgery, Ms. Ou entered the operating room with anxiety, but just a few hours later, she received the good news of a successful operation. Postoperatively, she was very satisfied with the breast's appearance—the preservation of the nipple-areola complex gave the breast a natural look, even more aesthetically pleasing than before the surgery. This not only enhanced her psychological comfort but also boosted her confidence.

After surgery, Ms. Ou continued with precise radiotherapy, and her recovery progressed smoothly. Dr. Wang stated: "Through the combined treatment of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, breast reconstruction surgery, and radiotherapy, the patient's prognosis is significantly improved."

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in women worldwide. Its causes are complex, including genetic factors, unhealthy lifestyles, hormonal imbalances, and environmental influences. To address these risks, we can adopt a three-tier prevention strategy:

Primary Prevention: Reducing the risk of developing the disease through a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Secondary Prevention: Achieving early detection and early treatment through physical examinations and early screening to improve quality of life.

Tertiary Prevention: Providing standardized treatment for diagnosed patients to reduce the risk of recurrence and metastasis and improve survival rates.

The symptoms of breast cancer are relatively noticeable, and timely identification aids early intervention. These include the following manifestations:

1. Breast Lump: Hard texture, irregular borders, usually painless.

2. Skin Changes on the Breast: Such as "dimpling" or "peau d'orange" appearance.

3. Nipple or Areola Changes: Nipple retraction, deviation, or abnormal discharge.

4. Axillary Lymph Node Enlargement: May indicate tumor cell spread.

For patients with advanced-stage disease, such as those with large tumors or positive axillary lymph nodes, neoadjuvant therapy is currently one of the most effective strategies. Through a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endocrine therapy, and targeted therapy, it can secure surgical opportunities for patients and improve survival rates. Data shows that with standardized treatment, even patients with locally advanced disease can achieve a 5-year survival rate of up to 90%.

Breast cancer does not necessarily mean mastectomy. Scientific treatment plans offer patients more choices. HeYou Hospital remains committed to providing personalized, multidisciplinary collaborative diagnosis and treatment services for breast cancer patients, enabling them to achieve both health and embrace beauty and confidence on their cancer journey.

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Author of this article>>>Huang Hailin, General Surgeon

(Special thanks to Professor Lu Jiade, Vice President of HeYou Hospital, and Chief Physician Wang Xiaohua from the Department of General Surgery for their professional guidance on this article)