After a mastectomy, patients should be assigned an exercise program that increases shoulder mobility and prevents movement restriction in order to prevent the development of lymphoedema. The purpose of these exercises is to restore the normal functions of lifting and rotating the shoulder joint.
The most important are the lead and the rise of the shoulder. With the development of the “frozen shoulder” syndrome, physiotherapy and shortwave diathermy are helpful.
Restoration of the form of the mammary gland after cancer treatment
Most patients quickly get used to the prosthesis. However, if a woman experiences discomfort, you can perform a breast reconstruction by surgery or an internal implant. When preparing for mastectomy, the patient needs to explain that, if desired, it will be possible to restore the shape of the mammary gland, and in general, this is one of the stages of the operation. The most common technique for installing a simple implant, filled with silicone or saline, if necessary with a tissue expander.
The better result is undoubtedly more complicated surgery with the use of a tissue flap of the latissimus dorsi and transversus rectus abdominis (TRAM) muscles, although it is more traumatic for the patient.
Nipple reconstruction is better at transplanting a flap of pigmented skin taken from the upper thigh, but this is a serious surgical operation.
Psychological disorders after breast cancer treatment
Any mastectomy surgery is traumatic. In the first year after surgery, 25% of women develop depressive states and disorders on psychosexual grounds. More severe forms they take in women who pay special attention to their appearance.
Some assistance is provided by pre- and postoperative consultations of patients. For more information about the role of psychological support, see a separate article on the site (we recommend using the search form on the main page of the site). Although patients who have undergone treatment and have retained their breasts, also experience psychological discomfort, they cannot be compared with women who have undergone mastectomy surgery.