Mastectomy

minimum cost
₱ 0
maximum cost
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Things you need to know

1.What is ​Mastectomy?
2.Why do you need it?
3.Why cost vary in philippines?
4.Surgery cost range by city
5.Surgery Procedure
6.Recovery
7.Risk and complications
8.FAQ
9.Conclusion

What is Mastectomy ?

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Why do you need Mastectomy ?

Mastectomy is indicated for:

  • Breast cancer:
    • Invasive breast cancer (stages I–III; 20–30% of cases need mastectomy).
    • Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS, if extensive or multicentric).
    • Recurrence after lumpectomy or failed breast conservation.
    • Incidence in India: 25–30 per 100,000 women annually; urban areas higher.
  • Prophylactic:
    • High-risk patients (e.g., BRCA1/2 mutations, 55–70% lifetime risk; family history).
  • Associated treatments:
    • Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) or sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) to check for spread.
    • Adjuvant therapy: Chemotherapy, radiation, or hormonal therapy (e.g., tamoxifen) based on tumor profile.
    • Reconstruction: Immediate or delayed (e.g., implants, flap surgery as you asked earlier).
  • Timing:
    • Performed in adults (average age 40–60 years at diagnosis); urgency depends on cancer stage.

The procedure aims to remove cancerous tissue, reduce recurrence risk, and provide an option for reconstruction to improve quality of life, with outcomes tailored to cancer stage and patient preference.

Why Do Mastectomy Costs Vary in Philippines?

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Mastectomy Procedure

  • Before Surgery Evaluation:
    • Assessment:
    • Preparation: Stop blood thinners (e.g., aspirin) 5–7 days prior if safe; discuss reconstruction options.
    • Consent: Risks, including lymphedema, are explained.
  • Surgical Technique:
    • Mastectomy:
      • Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 1–3 hours (longer with reconstruction).
      • Types:
        • Simple mastectomy: Removes breast tissue, nipple, and areola; no lymph nodes.
        • Modified radical mastectomy (MRM): Removes breast tissue, nipple, areola, and axillary lymph nodes; most common for invasive cancer.
        • Skin-sparing mastectomy: Preserves breast skin for reconstruction; nipple removed.
        • Nipple-sparing mastectomy: Preserves skin and nipple; for prophylactic or select early-stage cases.
      • Process:
        • Incision: Elliptical incision (10–15 cm) across breast; includes nipple/areola (unless nipple-sparing).
        • Breast tissue removed: Down to chest muscle (pectoralis major); skin flaps preserved for closure or reconstruction.
        • Lymph nodes: SLNB (1–3 nodes) or ALND (10–20 nodes) if cancer spread suspected.
        • Reconstruction (if planned): Immediate (implants or flaps) or delayed.
      • Closure: Sutures in layers; skin closed with sutures or staples; drains placed to prevent fluid buildup.
    • Intraoperative Tools:
      • Blue dye/radioisotope: Identifies sentinel nodes.
      • Electrocautery: Controls bleeding.
      • Drains: Collect fluid post-op.
  • After Surgery:
    • Hospital stay: 1–3 days (longer with reconstruction).
    • Care: Arm exercises to prevent stiffness; drains removed in 5–10 days; avoid pressure on chest.
    • Pain management: Moderate pain for 3–7 days; managed with painkillers (e.g., paracetamol).
    • Instructions: Avoid strenuous activity for 4–6 weeks; wear compression sleeve if lymphedema risk.

Recovery After Mastectomy

  1. Hospital Stay: 1–3 days (longer with reconstruction).
  2. Post-Surgery Care:
    • Pain/Swelling: Moderate pain for 3–7 days; swelling resolves in 2–3 weeks.
    • Activity: Avoid heavy lifting or arm strain for 4–6 weeks; light activities in 1–2 weeks.
    • Drains/Incision: Drains removed in 5–10 days; sutures removed in 10–14 days; scar fades in 6–12 months.
    • Arm mobility: Physiotherapy to prevent stiffness; full range of motion in 4–6 weeks.
    • Adjuvant therapy: Chemotherapy or radiation starts 4–6 weeks post-op if needed.
  3. Follow-Up:
    • Visits at 1 week (drain removal), 1 month, and every 3–6 months for 5 years (recurrence risk).
    • Mammogram (opposite breast): Annually to monitor.

Most resume normal activities in 4–6 weeks; full recovery takes 2–3 months (longer with reconstruction or adjuvant therapy). Success rate: 5-year survival for early-stage breast cancer is 85–90%; local recurrence rate is 3–5% with proper adjuvant therapy.

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks:
    • Bleeding (1–3%): Hematoma at site; may need drainage.
    • Infection (2–5%): At incision site; treated with antibiotics.
    • Anesthesia risks (<1%): Reaction to anesthesia; rare in healthy patients.
  • Post-Surgery:
    • Seroma (5–10%): Fluid collection under skin; may need aspiration.
    • Lymphedema (10–20%, with ALND): Arm swelling; managed with compression and physiotherapy.
    • Shoulder stiffness (5–10%): From lymph node removal; improves with exercises.
    • Phantom breast pain (5–10%): Sensation of pain in removed breast; usually temporary.
  • Long-Term:
    • Recurrence (3–5%): At chest wall; reduced with adjuvant therapy; needs regular follow-up.
    • Psychological impact (10–20%): Body image concerns; counseling or reconstruction helps.

Report fever, severe swelling, redness, or arm swelling promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I avoid mastectomy?

Yes, if early: Lumpectomy with radiation (as you asked earlier); mastectomy needed for extensive cancer or patient preference.

Is mastectomy painful?

Moderate pain for 3–7 days, managed with medication; resolves in 2–3 weeks.

How soon can I resume normal activities?

Light activities: 1–2 weeks; full recovery: 2–3 months; avoid strenuous activity for 4–6 weeks.

Is mastectomy covered by insurance in India?

Often covered (medical necessity); confirm with your provider; Ayushman Bharat often subsidizes.

Signs of complications?

Fever, severe swelling, redness, or arm swelling.

Can I have reconstruction after mastectomy?

Yes: Immediate or delayed; options include implants or flap surgery (as you asked earlier).

Lifestyle changes post-surgery?

Arm exercises, wear compression sleeve (if lymphedema risk), attend follow-ups, and consider counseling for body image.

Conclusion

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Looking for Best Hospitals for Mastectomy

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

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