Top Questions to Ask Breast Cancer Surgeons in London

Top Questions to Ask Breast Cancer Surgeons in London

Getting a breast cancer diagnosis can be extremely terrifying, and thereafter choosing the right surgeon should be at the top of your priority list. While the credentials and experience of your surgeon are essential, it is equally crucial that you feel at ease during their care. In order to gain the optimum trust of your medical team, there are specific questions that you should ask to grasp the available treatment options better. Below are the essential questions that you should ask your breast cancer surgeon in London during your appointment.

1. What is Your Experience with Surgeries on Patients with Breast Cancer?

Expertise remains at the centre of complex treatments more often than not. It is recommended to inquire about how many surgeries they have conducted on patients dealing with breast cancer, their success rates, and the frequency of their involvement with similar cases like yours. The higher the number of procedures they have successfully done, the more adept they will be in accommodating your needs.

2. What is the Best Way to Treat My Case?

Understand this, there is no universal way to treat breast cancer. Your surgeon will likely recommend you to get a lumpectomy or a mastectomy, or in some scenarios, they may recommend a reconstruction. Grasping the reasoning behind the suggested approach, along with its pros and cons, can help you determine how to proceed ahead.

3. What Are The Most Common Risks And Side Effects?

Every surgical procedure involves risks that might turn out to be fatal. Discuss any other possible issues that may happen before, during, or after the operation. Is there the possibility of an infection, scarring, or lymphoedema? This is a good question and would help the patient know what physical and mental preparation needs to be done well in advance.

4. How Will The Surgery Alter My Day To Day Activities?

It is crucial to understand how the surgery would impact mobility, recovery duration, and everyday activities like work. Inquire about the duration of the recovery, whether therapy will be needed, and when normal activities can be resumed.

5. What Options Are Available For My Reconstruction?

Those contemplating reconstruction of the breast must get the best advice about all the available options. Some patients want the breast reconstruction to be done at the same time the cancer surgery is being done, and some patients would prefer a delayed reconstruction. To aid in decision-making, a patient must understand the timeline alongside the procedures and their outcomes.

Final Thoughts  

No breast cancer treatment can be completed without adequate emotional support, and there’s no denying that. When you ask these questions, you are arming yourself with the correct information to cope with this challenging phase with more nerve. Don’t forget that the surgeon of choice will treat you well and seek to resolve your concerns reasonably.  

You should keep in mind that breast cancer is not everything that you need to worry about. You should also be laser focused on the treatment procedure that you are going to undergo. Make sure to ask these questions to understand what you are going to put yourself through for a healthy life.

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