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Mastectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all breast tissue from a breast. The goal of this surgery is to treat breast cancer. It is often performed when a woman cannot be treated with breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), which is a surgery where only the tumor is removed while the breast is preserved. Mastectomy is also the main treatment for breast cancer in men. Because men only have little breast tissue, and most tumors in men appear under the nipple, surgeons usually need to remove the whole breasts. Depending on your situation, mastectomy can be done to remove only one breast (known as unilateral mastectomy) or both breasts (known as bilateral mastectomy).
Mastectomy may be recommended to treat numerous types of breast cancer, including early-stage breast cancer (Stages I and II), locally advanced breast cancer (stages III), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), inflammatory breast cancer, locally recurrent breast cancer, and Paget’s disease of the breast. Your doctor may recommend mastectomy if the cancer is in a large area of the breast or cancer has spread all around the breast. A mastectomy may also be recommended if you have a very high risk of developing breast cancer. Mastectomy performed to prevent breast cancer is known as prophylactic mastectomy. Doctors also recommend mastectomy for people with gynecomastia.
In most cases, breast reconstruction can be done at the same time as your mastectomy, but you can also choose to have it at a later date.
Breast cancer can be dangerous and life-threatening. It can change every aspect of your life in different ways. Breast cancer can also spread to other parts of the body, causing more complications. After a mastectomy, your quality of life should improve. Cancer may not spread to other parts of the body, and you may have higher survival rates.
Evaluating the expense related to a medical process such as Mastectomy remains a significant concern for many individuals. It's crucial to observe that the expense associated with this process in Bulgaria fluctuates among different medical establishments and is affected by numerous elements. For instance, the specific nature of the Mastectomy conducted - be it a complete Mastectomy, a lumpectomy, or a modified radical Mastectomy - will directly affect the overall expense. The complexity of each case also influences the duration of the procedure, which can in turn, alter the pricing.
A key part of the cost structure includes facility fees. Premium clinics or hospitals clinic may demand higher charges owing to their cutting-edge infrastructure, highly skilled surgeons, and top-notch care quality. The post-procedure stay duration at the hospital, the chosen room type, and any extra necessary treatments can also contribute to increasing the cost.
Extra expenses may consist of pre-operation consultations, diagnostic tests, medication, and possibly, physiotherapy after the surgery. Many of these elements are variable, emphasizing the importance of acquiring a detailed price breakdown from the selected medical establishment in Bulgaria before going ahead.
During a mastectomy, a horizontal or diagonal incision is made across your breast so the tissue can be removed. The amount of tissue removed will depend on the type of mastectomy you are undergoing as other parts of the breast may also be removed. Some of the main types of mastectomy are as follows:
All types of mastectomy are performed under general anesthetic, so you will be ‘asleep’ and unaware of anything while the surgery is carried out.
A mastectomy takes about 1 to 3 hours to complete. Most patients are allowed to leave the hospital on the same day. If the procedure is followed by breast reconstruction, you may need to stay for 2 to 3 days. In total, you should plan to stay in Bulgaria for 14 days because you will need to attend follow-up checkups and your doctor may want you to get more treatment based on your pathology report.
The recovery period depends on the type of mastectomy you undergo. The total recovery time may take about 4 to 6 weeks. However, you will be able to get back to work within 2 to 3 weeks (if your job does not involve a lot of physical activities).
In the current phase, crucial steps involve efficiently dealing with any discomfort, ensuring that the operated section remains hygienic and moisture-free, executing prescribed workouts for enhancing the mobility of the arm and shoulder, participating in subsequent check-ins, and slowly resuming typical tasks.
Paying attention to what your physical system is signaling and carving out substantial rest periods for rejuvenation are fundamental elements in accelerating the healing process. Implementing a balanced, nutritious diet and keeping a positive mindset can also drastically aid in faster recovery. Make sure you stay well-hydrated and avoid any activities that might strain the surgical area. Reach out to your healthcare provider whenever you have any concerns or questions, and don't rush through the process - remember that healing takes time.
Your surgeon will give you detailed aftercare instructions, which may include a diet plan, signs of infection to recognize, use of medicines, any restrictions, and caring for the surgical wounds. Your doctor may also recommend that you do some arm exercises to encourage a full range of movement back to the area around the arm.
You should also schedule regular checkups to ensure cancer has not come back. You can choose to have the checkups with your local doctor of the doctor in Bulgaria. Furthermore, if your pathology result shows that you will need more treatment, your surgeon may refer you to a radiation oncologist, a medical oncologist, or a counselor.
The survival rate for breast cancer patients may increase significantly after a mastectomy. A study revealed that 81.2% of women who had double mastectomy survived more than 10 years. In some cases, recurrence can occur, resulting in malignancy. This decreases the success rate of the procedure. Mastectomy done to treat gynecomastia is recorded to have a 90% success rate.
The positive outcome of a Mastectomy is highly dependent on thorough evaluations before surgery, skilled surgical execution, after-surgery care, and the patient's obedience to instructions following surgery. Subsequently, selecting a reputable medical facility with a demonstrated record of effective Mastectomy, offering a complete aftercare service, can significantly improve the total efficacy of the operation.
The alternative to mastectomy are as follows:
In preparation for a Mastectomy in Bulgaria, you should prepare for several preliminary activities. These can involve medical imaging studies, blood work, and a detailed conversation with your operating surgeon. This interaction with your surgeon serves as a chance to gain deeper knowledge about the operation, its likely risks and advantages, as well as exchanging your hopes and concerns. Furthermore, you will be given specific directives to adhere to before the procedure, such as guidelines on fasting and alterations to your present medication regime.
After the operation, you will be relocated to a recuperation area where medical staff will maintain a close watch on your vital signs. The duration of your hospital admission can fluctuate, but anticipate remaining in the facility for several days following the operation. Common physical discomforts such as pain, inflammation, and discoloration are manageable with prescribed drugs. Additionally, you will be given guidance on caring for your surgical wound, restrictions on physical activities, and signs to be vigilant for.
The process of healing from Mastectomy can be slow and requires a conscientious approach to personal care and routine check-ups. It's important to maintain realistic expectations since adapting to the physical and emotional shifts after the procedure could demand time. Open discussions with your health professional regarding any issues or hardships you're confronting are fundamental. Given the emotional toll of Mastectomy, sourcing psychological assistance during this recuperation period could be advantageous.
Like other surgical procedures, mastectomy carries a risk of complications. The risks you need to be aware of are:
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
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Bulgaria has plenty to offer and tourists are going to be very impressed with the country’s mountainous landscapes, beautiful Black Sea beaches, fascinating history, friendly locals, lively nightlife, and affordability. Although the country’s holiday tourism is very much on the radar, it is also actually quite popular with medical tourists, due to its modern medical centers, highly trained medical professionals, state-of-the-art equipment, affordable healthcare, and mineral baths, thousands of medical tourists visit this country each year. Most of the medical tourists come for dental treatment, orthopedic surgery, elective surgery, neurosurgery, as well as health screening.
Bulgaria’s laid-back capital city, Sofia, is truly a must-visit. It is full of museums, Ottoman mosques, communist architecture, chic galleries, Eastern Orthodox churches, amazing restaurants, and upbeat clubs. One of the most popular landmarks in the country is the Aleksander Nevski Cathedral, which is an awe-inspiring church built between 1882 and 1912 to honor 200,000 Russian soldiers who died fighting for the independence of Bulgaria during the Russo-Turkish war. If you want to relax on beautiful beaches visit Varna, which is a major tourist destination during the summer. The second-largest, city in Bulgaria is Plovdiv and it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. Tourists are attracted by the Roman Amphitheatre, Archeological Museum, and Tsar Simeon Central Garden.
Most international tourists will arrive at Sofia Airport, which serves flights to most numerous major cities in Europe and the Middle East. There are several budget airlines that operate flights from this airport, including Ryanair and Wizz Air. Domestic flights are available, but they tend to be expensive. Therefore, to travel from one city to another, trains and buses are the best option. Buses and trains are punctual and affordable. However, if you are in a hurry, you should avoid trains as they can be a little slow. To travel around big cities, taxis are widely available and are really cheap. Just make sure you choose a licensed taxi to avoid being overcharged.
While Bulgaria is not yet a part of the Schengen Area, it has a visa policy that is based on the Schengen system. Therefore, holders of Schengen Visa are allowed to enter the country. Additionally, citizens of 62 countries, including the US, Australia, and the UAE, can stay in the country for up to 90 days without a visa.
From June to August, Bulgaria experiences summer. The weather can get a bit hot and humid, with an average temperature of 19°C to 21°C. July is the wettest month in the country. Winter, from December to February, is usually freezing. Autumn and Spring bring pleasant weather.