Breast Cancer Surgery — Antalya Patient Information Center
Breast cancer treatment is a multidisciplinary process involving surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology and pathology. Op.Dr.Gökhan ATEŞ performs breast-conserving surgery, mastectomy (simple, skin-sparing, nipple-sparing), sentinel lymph node biopsy and — when needed — axillary dissection in Antalya, guided by tumour board decisions and coordinated with plastic surgery for oncoplastic and reconstructive planning.
When is surgery indicated?
For confirmed breast cancer, surgery is central to the treatment plan for most patients. Tumour type, size, biology (hormone receptors, HER2, Ki-67), nodal status and patient preference guide surgical choice. Neoadjuvant therapy (chemotherapy, hormonal, targeted) may be given first in selected patients.
Surgical options
Individualised plans include:
- Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy / wide local excision) + radiotherapy
- Simple mastectomy
- Skin-sparing mastectomy
- Nipple-sparing mastectomy
- Oncoplastic surgery (tumour removal + simultaneous breast shaping)
- Immediate or delayed reconstruction (implant, autologous)
Axillary evaluation
Assessing lymph node involvement is important for treatment planning:
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) — removal and analysis of the first draining node
- De-escalation of axillary dissection in selected sentinel-positive cases
- Axillary lymph node dissection when clinical/imaging evidence of nodal disease
- Re-assessment after neoadjuvant therapy
Pre-operative preparation
Typical preparation includes:
- Multidisciplinary tumour board (surgery, oncology, radiology, pathology, plastic surgery)
- Routine blood tests, ECG and cardiopulmonary assessment when needed
- Anaesthesia review and medication adjustments
- Smoking cessation and nutrition optimisation for wound healing
- Localisation (wire/marker) for microcalcifications or small tumours
The surgery
Performed under general anaesthesia. Duration is typically 1–3 hours depending on approach. Breast-conserving surgery uses a 4–7 cm incision; mastectomy uses a larger incision with reconstruction planned as appropriate. Drains may be placed.
Recovery
Hospital stay is usually 1–3 days (based on procedure and reconstruction). Recovery includes:
- Gentle activity and drain care in the first 1–2 weeks
- Arm exercises to maintain range of motion
- Suture removal usually at day 10–14
- Lymphoedema awareness and physiotherapy if needed
- Gradual return to daily life over 3–4 weeks
Adjuvant treatments
Planned by oncology teams based on pathology and subtype:
- Radiotherapy (standard after breast-conserving surgery; selected mastectomy cases)
- Chemotherapy (by subtype and stage)
- Targeted therapy (for HER2-positive)
- Hormonal therapy (5–10 years, for hormone receptor-positive)
- Genetic testing (BRCA, PALB2 etc.) for selected patients
Process in Antalya
Op.Dr.Gökhan ATEŞ practises in Muratpaşa, Antalya and evaluates patients from Konyaaltı, Lara, Kepez and abroad. Diagnosis, treatment and follow-up are coordinated with radiology, pathology, medical oncology, radiation oncology and plastic surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a candidate for breast-conserving surgery?+
Patients with tumour size/position suitable relative to breast volume, achievable clear margins and no contraindication to radiotherapy. Decision is made by the tumour board.
Does every mastectomy patient get reconstruction?+
Reconstruction depends on patient preference and medical suitability; it can be immediate or delayed.
What is sentinel lymph node biopsy?+
Identification and removal of the first draining lymph node using tracer techniques. If negative, axillary dissection may be avoided.
Will I develop arm swelling (lymphoedema) after surgery?+
Risk is higher after axillary dissection and lower after sentinel biopsy. Early exercises and physiotherapy help management.
What is neoadjuvant therapy?+
Chemotherapy, targeted or hormonal therapy given before surgery to shrink the tumour, increase breast-conserving options and assess response in selected cases.
When can I return to work?+
Desk work in 2–3 weeks, physical work in 4–6 weeks is often possible; adjuvant treatments can extend the process.
How is follow-up structured?+
Clinical review every 3–6 months for the first 2 years, annual mammography/imaging and tumour markers when indicated; frequency decreases after year 5.
Do you accept international patients?+
Yes. Initial consultation via WhatsApp; English, German and Russian are available.
This content is for general information only; diagnosis and treatment require an individual medical evaluation.