Is Oncoplasty the Right Choice for You? Learn the Pros and Cons

Is Oncoplasty the Right Choice for You? Learn from one of the best surgical oncologists in Kolkata about the pros and cons of it. Know how to benefit from, risk factors, and when to seek oncoplastic surgery for breast cancer.

Breast cancer treatment through oncology has a better aesthetic aspect of surgery apart from removal of cancer. It is where oncoplasty fills the gap, essentially a type of surgery that combines cancer removal with cosmetic reconstruction. But is oncoplasty for you? In order to make the right decision, it is important to know and understand the pros and cons of the treatment. In this regard, this article shall provide key insights into the pros and cons of oncoplasty, guided by the best surgical cancer surgeon in Kolkata.

What Is Oncoplasty?

Oncoplasty, or oncoplastic breast surgery, is a new technique that combines oncological surgery—the removal of cancerous tissues—with plastic surgery. Its purpose is to remove the tumor but still salvage or even enhance the appearance of the breast. It is most beneficial whenever the patient goes for lumpectomy (partial breast removal) and ideally ensures reshaping and symmetrical natural contours of the breast.

Why Do So Many People Seek Oncoplasty?

In the last few years, there has been an increased focus on quality of life after surgery in breast cancer patients. Oncoplasty is concerned with the treatment of cancer and attends to the psychological well-being of the patient by establishing a cosmetic outcome that would improve body image and raise the self-esteem of the breast cancer patient after surgery. For all these reasons and more, oncoplasty has gained popularity across the globe, more so in the hands of a master surgeon such as Dr. Sunny Khanna—the best surgical oncologist in Kolkata.

Advantages of Oncoplasty

1. Better Cosmetic Outcome
   A cosmetic outcome is one of the biggest advantages of oncoplasty—that is, it can provide a better cosmetic outcome. Inasmuch as tumor removal can be performed together with reconstructive surgery, it can also allow the breast to have about as natural a look as possible. Furthermore, there is less chance of having more corrective surgeries afterwards.
   
2. Reduced Number of Surgeries
   In traditional breast cancer surgery, several procedures may be involved—the procedure to remove the tumor and another to reconstruct the breast. Oncoplasty negates this by dealing with both aspects of the surgery through one procedure, which reduces the recovery time even as it lowers the impact on the patient’s life in general.
   
3. Maintains Symmetry
   Oncoplastic surgery allows the surgeons to ensure that both breasts are of adequate size, while preserving the symmetry, even if a large portion needs to be excised from one of the breasts. This would be particularly important for women who do not want further surgery on the unaffected breast to gain symmetry.
   
4. Improvement in Psychosocial State
   For most women, cosmetic results of breast cancer surgery are a really important matter in mental health. Oncoplasty offers a chance to eradicate the carcinoma while ensuring the patient retains an intact, positive body image, hence allowing them to feel even more self-assured and in control at a time of anxiety.
   
5. Deeper Techniques in Cancer Removal
   Oncoplasty is usually more aggressive since the reconstruction plan is carried out directly in the surgical approach; therefore, if more parts of the tissue are required to be taken out, the surgeons can proceed with the surgery and not compromise on the aesthetic appearance of the breast.

Drawbacks of Oncoplasty

1. Longer Operation Time
   Although oncoplasty offers many advantages, the actual surgery is more time-consuming compared to a simple lumpectomy or mastectomy. This would increase the duration of anesthesia, and it is also much more complex.
   
2. More Expensive
   Oncoplastic surgery could be more expensive than the conventional treatment of breast cancer since it carries the element of reconstructive surgery. Besides, it would require a multi-disciplinary approach with the involvement of both oncologists and plastic surgeons; hence, raising the cost in total.
   
3. Possible Complications
   Such surgery entails risks. Oncoplasty might cause infection, poor wound healing, or asymmetry in the breast shape to occur with time. It’s therefore essential to consider such risks before one decides to undergo such a procedure.
   
4. Not For Every Case
   Oncoplasty cannot be used for everyone. This depends on the size and position of the tumor and most importantly the health of the patient. You can also consult with the best surgical oncologist in Kolkata, Dr. Sunny Khanna, about whether you could need this surgical procedure.

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When Should You Consider Oncoplasty?

Oncoplasty is advised to the women who opt for lumpectomy and are worried about the cosmetic result. Such treatment suits those patients who are presenting with small to medium-sized tumors and large breasts and do not want to have major deformity of the breast after surgery. It is also suited for those concerned with the psychological aspect of body image and emotions after the surgery and want to reduce the number of operations required for the cancer treatment and cosmetic reconstruction.

Involving the most experienced surgical oncologist in Kolkata may be able to tell whether oncoplasty is going to benefit your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oncoplasty More Painful Than Traditional Breast Surgery?

In general, pain with oncoplasty is not any worse than with a typical lumpectomy or mastectomy. Some men and women do experience post-surgical pain that varies with the extent of reconstruction, which is addressed within treatment planning.

How Long Does It Take to Recover After Oncoplasty?

Recovery time varies with the extent of surgery. Oncoplasty tends to give a relatively longer recovery period compared to traditional breast surgery. Patients require 4-6 weeks to recover fully after the surgery and resumption of normal activities.

Can Oncoplasty be Used with Radiation Therapy?

Oncoplasty is a procedure often given in conjunction with radiation therapy as part of an overall treatment plan for malignancy. The reconstruction techniques involved in oncoplasty do not compromise the outcome of radiation therapy.

Does oncoplasty have insurance coverage?

Insurance coverage varies with provider and policy. It is best to check with your insurance provider regarding what is covered and what you will need to pay out of pocket.

Conclusion

Deciding to opt for oncoplasty is a very personal decision taken after detailed consideration of all the pros and cons. Though it will provide those benefits—beautiful aesthetic outcomes and fewer surgeries—it really needs to be compared with some of the downsides, like longer surgery time and higher costs. By visiting an expert and experienced professional, like Dr. Sunny Khanna, the best cancer specialist in Kolkata, you will be able to decide on a line of treatment that will suit your needs.

If you are finding options available for treating your cancer, then it is oncology; on the other hand, if you need reconstructive surgery after the removal of your tumor, then oncoplasty would always provide a holistic approach to help women fulfill their physical as well as emotional needs during this period.