Rehabilitation after removal of breast fibroadenoma

Breast fibroadenoma is a benign neoplasm, the main method of treatment of which is surgical intervention. Modern technologies allow therapy with minimal health risks, reducing the likelihood of relapse. After the operation, the patient will have a long recovery period. In order for rehabilitation after removal of breast fibroadenoma to be successful, special rules must be observed.

Primary rehabilitation

During the operation, the tumor is removed, often capturing part of the connective tissue and ducts of the breast. Thanks to the latest technologies, the breast can be saved after the intervention. Patients must be advised about the care of the mammary glands after surgery.

Primary rehabilitation after removal of fibroadenoma lasts 3-7 days, sometimes longer. During this period, the patient must be in the hospital. An exception is such a type of surgical intervention as enucleation, which is carried out on an outpatient basis. Full rehabilitation after it takes only a week. In this case, the patient is at home. A week is enough to return to a full life. Small restrictions can be observed for a couple more months.

Removal of fibroadenoma by cryoablation can significantly reduce the period of stay in the hospital. But for many patients, it is not suitable because of the significant size of the tumor and its localization.

If a serious intervention was performed, then the stitches will be removed only after a week. The procedure is performed under anesthesia. In some more modern medical facilities, absorbable sutures are placed that do not require removal.

During the first week after the operation, as well as 7 days after the removal of the sutures, the wound surface is treated daily with an antiseptic.

It is believed that the healing was successful if after 2-3 weeks there are no complications and pain in the chest. If they have not disappeared, then it will take longer to lie in the hospital.

How to behave after discharge from the hospital

After discharge from the hospital, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the daily routine. Night sleep should be at least 8 hours. Experts also recommend following a diet rich in protein. Chicken breast or other white meat is suitable as a protein component. Be sure to take a vitamin complex with a high content of ascorbic acid.

Since the place where the stitches were applied often hurts, but it is necessary to wear orthopedic underwear. A special bra will reduce the load, stimulate local blood circulation and protect the seam from divergence.

The doctor may also prescribe physiotherapy, massage and physiotherapy exercises. This set of procedures will help improve the well-being of the operated patient. Drugs may be prescribed to speed up tissue healing.

The terms of rehabilitation and the necessary measures to ensure that recovery after removal of breast fibroadenoma is as successful as possible are selected for each patient individually.

Negative consequences of the operation and the fight against them

Early consequences include pain, which is usually observed in the first days after surgery. In the hospital, they are removed with special drugs. At home, analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs containing hormones can be prescribed. They are taken strictly according to the scheme. You can also use cold compresses on your own.

If, as a result of surgical intervention, abrasions and hematomas remain on the patient's body, then vitamins of groups B and C are used to treat them. They affect blood clotting. Therapy lasts 7-10 days.

If the hormonal background of a woman is disturbed, then scars may form at the site of suturing. For their speedy resorption, special creams are used that reduce the growth of connective tissue. Preparations in the form of an ointment prevent the formation of keloid scars.  

Due to the violation of sanitary standards, a complication such as purulent mastitis may develop. It requires antibiotic therapy. Sometimes surgery is indicated. To prevent mastitis, the doctor tells the patient how to care for the operated gland.

During the rehabilitation period after removal of breast fibroadenoma, it is necessary to avoid increased stress on the pectoral muscles and protect the chest from sunlight. Any thermal effect, such as visiting a sauna or a beach, is possible only after consultation with your doctor.

Fibroadenoma recurrence

Late complications of surgical intervention include recurrence of fibroadenoma. Usually the neoplasm appears in a different place and only in 30% of cases in the same area where the operation was performed. A benign tumor is detected during a routine examination.

If the doctor stated a relapse, then the following types of examinations are mandatory:

• ultrasound;
• mammography;
• biopsy of breast tissue.

If a neoplasm with a diameter of not more than 3 cm is detected, the specialist prescribes conservative treatment, since there is no danger to the patient. If the tumor is larger and there is a risk of malignant degeneration of tissues, then a second operation is possible. When confirming the benign nature of the neoplasm, a sectoral resection of the mammary gland is performed. If there are symptoms of a cancerous tumor, then most likely a total mastectomy will be done.

Long-term consequences

If no complications develop within 6-8 months after the removal of breast fibroadenoma and recovery after surgery, then we can talk about a complete recovery. But no one cancels regular preventive examinations. You need to visit a mammologist once every half a year.

No specific prohibitions are imposed on the way of life. It is enough to observe the regime of work and rest. The doctor may recommend that you do not overload yourself, both physically and psychologically. It is also advisable to give up bad habits and avoid physical impact on the operated breast.

If a woman underwent surgery before the fibroadenoma was removed, this does not mean that she cannot have children in the future. She is also fully breastfeeding. All physiological features of the mammary gland are preserved. She, along with healthy breasts, is able to produce breast milk in the volume necessary for the child.

Even after proper recovery after removal of breast fibroadenoma and subsequent treatment , about one in five women may develop a relapse.
Therefore, you need to be regularly examined. Fibroadenoma is found in every fourth woman who has a neoplasm in the breast. Usually, surgery cannot be avoided. But it is carried out with minimal consequences for the health and appearance of the breast.