Mastectomy is the surgical removal of the breast. In the last century, radical removal of the breast was the paradigm for treating breast tumours, but modern Israeli oncology has advanced significantly – now patients with breast cancer have a better chance of preserving their breast during tumour removal, and the surgery is performed using less invasive methods.
Patients requiring mastectomy can find relief from a severe diagnosis through treatment in Israel. Our oncological surgeons focus on organ-preserving types of mastectomy, ensuring not only cancer eradication but also the absence of cosmetic defects.
Breast Mastectomy in Israel – Types
There are several types of mastectomy, each assigned based on various circumstances:
- age of the patient;
- overall health status;
- presence or absence of menopause;
- size of the neoplasm;
- stage of cancer and its aggressiveness;
- hormonal dependence of the neoplasm;
- involvement of lymph nodes.
Total Mastectomy
This surgery involves the removal of the breast along with the nipple-areolar complex, while lymph nodes are usually not affected.
Subcutaneous Mastectomy
This type of mastectomy is an alternative for patients whose neoplasm size does not exceed 2 cm and is located away from the surface of the breast skin. The surgery allows for maximum preservation of tissue while simultaneously performing breast reconstruction.
Preventive Mastectomy
Women who are in a high-risk group may choose preventive mastectomy as a precautionary measure: according to scientific data, preventive mastectomy reduces the likelihood of developing cancer by 90% in high-risk patients.
During such a mastectomy, either one or both breasts may be removed, and there is no need to remove lymph nodes. Breast reconstruction surgery can be performed either during the mastectomy or afterward, using either artificial implants made from synthetic materials or natural ones – biotransplants.
Partial Mastectomy
Patients in the early stages of breast cancer may undergo partial mastectomy, where only the tumour and surrounding tissues are removed, and depending on the volume of removed tissues, the surgery is divided into two types – lumpectomy and quadrantectomy (lumpectomy involves the removal of a smaller volume of tissues). This is usually followed by a course of radiotherapy.
Radical Mastectomy
This intervention involves the complete removal of the breast, including the nipple-areolar complex, chest muscles, and lymph nodes. Radical mastectomy is rarely prescribed – only in cases where the cancer process has significantly spread.
Modified Radical Mastectomy
This type of intervention is less invasive than conventional radical mastectomy and causes less trauma to the chest muscles. The skin of the breast may also be preserved.
After undergoing mastectomy, the patient may leave our medical center within 1-3 days.
The mastectomy operation in Israel for a large number of patients with breast cancer is performed using organ-preserving and functionally sparing techniques, focusing on the preservation of healthy tissues. Reconstructive surgery helps eliminate cosmetic defects after the intervention. Thanks to the skill of our surgeons, the majority of patients rate their breast reconstruction as excellent.
Mastectomy of the Breast in Israel – Cost of the Operation
The cost of the operation depends on various factors – the size of the tumour, the type of mastectomy, and more. Therefore, the exact price can only be determined after all examinations and the treatment plan are established.
In any case, Israeli hospitals are more preferable in terms of both the quality of medical services provided and pricing policy compared to clinics in Germany, Austria, Canada, and the USA. The cost of mastectomy here is 35-50% cheaper than in the clinics of the aforementioned countries.
Breast Mastectomy in Israel – Why Top Ihilov
Treatment at the Top Ihilov center has many advantages. Here are just a few of them.
- Experienced oncologists and surgeons at our medical center possess unique knowledge of all the nuances of breast cancer treatment and apply organ-preserving methods for this purpose.
- The skill of our plastic surgeons is known worldwide. Patients who have undergone mastectomy have the opportunity to undergo breast reconstruction surgery at Top Ihilov.
- The rehabilitation course will help restore strength after the operation and address psychological issues. Our patients have access to experienced rehabilitation specialists, physiotherapists, and psychologists.
- The delicate, friendly, and attentive attitude of the clinic staff towards each patient. Understanding how traumatic this type of intervention can be for a woman's psychological health, the clinic staff strives to ensure maximum comfort, surrounding the patient with warmth and care.
- All organizational concerns are handled by the clinic's international department. A personal curator-translator also participates in this process, providing translation of medical documentation, coordinating doctors, and resolving everyday issues.