BREAST SURGERY
EXPERIENCE
Dr. Mandelbaum has a wide experience with both malignant and benign breast diseases and welcomes referrals for investigation and treatment. While the fear around breast cancer is ever present when dealing with breast disease, the reality is usually quite different. The vast majority of breast symptoms, and indeed mammographic findings, are not cancerous.
THE EVOLUTION OF BREAST SURGERY
For those who do have to deal with breast surgery and/or breast cancer the current state of treatment results in outcomes that are much improved compared to even 10 years ago. Breast surgery (as of 2021) has evolved, it is being done with smaller incisions, better cosmetic outcomes and fewer complications than in years prior.
PERSONAL AND RESPECTFUL PATHWAYS
Under the care of Dr. Mandelbaum you will be treated in a personal and respectful manner at all times. Sufficient time is always given to patients and families to assist you in understanding the issues involved. You will be given a clear explanation of your pathway of care with timely investigation and treatment.
A TEAM APPROACH
Dr. Mandelbaum works in conjunction with the medical and radiation oncologists at the Scarborough Health Network to treat breast cancer patients in their own community to the highest standards. All cases are discussed with our breast tumour board, which is a regular meeting of surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists, to give you an opinion supported by our group of breast cancer specialists.
IF SURGERY IS REQUIRED
Most breast lesions that require surgery will have an ultrasound guided biopsy prior to operation.
If a breast lesion needs a biopsy Dr. Mandelbaum will order the biopsy to be done in our radiology department. An appointment will be scheduled quickly for you. Using an ultrasound machine to target the lesion, one of our radiologists will take samples with a spring loaded needle. It is a procedure that is easily tolerated and not very painful at all. The results are ready within 3 to 6 business days.
If surgery is necessary Dr. Mandelbaum can usually have it completed within two weeks of the decision to operate. All breast surgeries are same day procedures, meaning that there is no overnight stay required.
Breast surgeries that are possible include
- lumpectomy
- mastectomy
- axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy
- reconstructions
Persons interested in reconstruction will be referred by Dr. Mandelbaum to one of his many plastic surgery partners for a consultation prior to surgery.
OVERCOMING ANXIETY & STAYING CALM
Breast surgery usually causes much anxiety prior to the operation, but is tolerated remarkably well. The breast is composed of skin, fat and milk producing tissue without major nerves and outside the main body cavities. This means that breast surgery is usually not particularly painful and not too demanding on the body, even for the very elderly.
HOME CARE
For those who are having surgery the follow up care, with the involvement of home care nurses as necessary, is timely, personal and thorough. If you have a drain within the breast that is placed at surgery, home care nurses will be arranged by the hospital to help you deal with it. You can also watch this video for more information.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
It is very important to maintain use of the arms. Exercises are strongly suggested to prevent stiffness. Please visit this link for a video of physiotherapy exercises to do after lumpectomy or mastectomy.