The Role of the Breast Surgeon in Breast Surgery
Surgery is the cornerstone for achieving a cure in breast cancer. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are useful in preventing breast cancer from coming back in the breast or other areas of the body. They do not by themselves cure the patient of cancer.
The breast surgeon plays an important role in late stages of breast cancer by removing the cancerous tissue, thereby preventing bleeding or long term wound issues and improving quality of life.
Qualifications of a Breast Surgeon
Breast surgery is not accredited as a specialty by the Specialist Accreditation Board. Surgery of the breast is usually undertaken by specialists in the field of General Surgeon or Plastic Surgery. General surgeons tend to take on surgery for breast disease such as cancer while the plastic surgeon is the authority for breast reconstruction and surgeries of the breasts that improve size, shape, appearance and scar problems This is by no means a mutually exclusive division. Some general surgeons have been trained in basic reconstructive techniques (oncoplastic breast surgeons). While some plastic surgeons have been trained to treat breast diseases including cancer.
