Mastectomy in Istanbul, Turkey : Complete guide

Mastectomy: what is it?

A mastectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of one or both breasts, usually for the treatment or prevention of breast cancer. It may be recommended for patients with early- or advanced-stage breast cancer or for those at high genetic risk. This life-saving surgery is often followed by breast reconstruction or additional therapies.

 Understanding what a mastectomy can help patients make informed decisions about their treatment options for breast cancer.

Begin your mastectomy journey with expert care in Turkey, and receive a personalized treatment plan with Turquie Santé.

Types of mastectomy in Istanbul, Turkey

Several mastectomy techniques are available in Istanbul. The choice of the most appropriate technique depends on the size and location of the tumor and the general health of the patient:

• Technique Description Total mastectomy Complete removal of the breast, including the mammary gland, areola, and nipple. The pectoral muscles are preserved, and axillary lymph nodes may or may not be removed depending on the case. Partial mastectomy Breast-conserving procedure in which part of the breast, but not the entire breast, is removed. Suitable for small, localized tumors. Healthy tissue may be removed along with the tumor to ensure complete removal. Subcutaneous mastectomy All breast tissue is removed, but skin and nipple are preserved. Suitable for women who want immediate breast reconstruction with an implant. Not suitable for large tumors or tumors close to the skin surface. Radical mastectomy Most invasive procedure. Removal of the breast, surrounding skin, axillary lymph nodes, and pectoral muscles.

Why choose a mastectomy in Istanbul, Turkey?

When you choose a mastectomy in Turkey through Turquie Santé, you have access to world-class care at an affordable price. We connect patients with top-rated hospitals and skilled surgeons in Istanbul, providing personalized assistance every step of the way. Our service is both efficient and patient-centered, from arranging medical appointments to handling travel logistics. What sets us apart is our commitment to providing a smooth, safe, and stress-free international healthcare experience.

With Turquie Santé, patients can take advantage of free teleconsultations to discuss their case and receive expert advice before traveling. The company also offers airport pickup and helps arrange comfortable accommodation, ensuring a hassle-free medical journey. Our comprehensive support ensures a smooth and welcoming experience from arrival to recovery.

Peculiarities of breast removal in Turkey

In Turkey, a mastectomy may be recommended in specific medical situations, such as:

• A large tumor mass disproportionate to the affected breast.
• Multiple tumors located in different areas of the same breast.
• Extensive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) that has spread across a large portion of breast tissue

Once a tumor is diagnosed, timely surgery is essential to reduce the risk of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body.

Mastectomy in Turkey can also be performed as a preventive measure. This applies to women who may not currently have breast cancer but face a high genetic or familial risk of developing it in the future.

For women who are not at high risk, mastectomy is generally not recommended, and other less invasive treatments may be advised instead

Mastectomy in Turkey: Cutting-edge techniques for patients

Turkey is at the forefront of advanced mastectomy techniques, offering patients safer surgeries with minimal scarring and faster recovery times. Options such as nipple-sparing mastectomy, skin-sparing procedures, and immediate breast reconstruction are widely available at leading Turkish hospitals.

• Facilitating natural breast reconstruction by preserving the skin or nipple.
• Immediate reconstruction during the same procedure.
• Robotic-assisted surgery offers increased precision, more discreet scars, and a faster recovery.

Through Turquie Santé, international patients gain access to experienced surgeons and to the latest surgical technologies in Istanbul, ensuring personalized care and optimal results.

Mastectomy procedure: step-by-step:

Before undergoing a mastectomy, it's important to understand the entire procedure, from preparation to recovery.

Medical evaluation

The journey begins with a comprehensive medical assessment. This includes imaging tests such as mammograms or MRIs to clearly define the extent of the tumor. Your surgeon will also review your medical history and discuss the surgical approaches best suited to your condition.

Preoperative preparation

Before surgery, patients undergo:
Routine blood tests and other health checks.

• A consultation with an anesthesiologist to ensure fitness for general anesthesia.
• A detailed discussion with the surgeon, covering the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes.
• These steps ensure you are fully informed and medically ready for the operation.

 Surgery day

A mastectomy is performed under general anesthesia. Depending on the type of mastectomy required, the procedure usually lasts between one and three hours. The goal is always to combine safety with optimal oncological and aesthetic outcomes.

 Recovery and follow-up

After the operation, patients are closely monitored during hospitalization. Once discharged, you'll receive detailed instructions for:
Pain management

• Wound care and healing.
• Physical activity and recovery timelines.
• With Turquie Santé, patients benefit from continuous support throughout their journey, including after they return home, ensuring a safe and comfortable recovery.

Results of the operation

Recent advances in surgical techniques in Turkey have made mastectomy an increasingly effective treatment option for breast cancer. The scars are now inconspicuous, the risks associated with the procedure are under control, and postoperative recovery is rapid.

However, the success of mastectomy also depends on the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis. Early diagnosis greatly increases the chances of cure, even for aggressive cancers. Conversely, breast cancer detected at an advanced stage may have a less favorable prognosis, even with a perfectly performed mastectomy.

Let Turquie santé guide you, because we understand how personal and emotional the mastectomy journey can be. Our team will connect you with trusted hospitals in Istanbul, and our expert surgeons will provide support from consultation to recovery.