Surgeons at Panama’s City of Health complex have successfully completed a total mastectomy with immediate reconstruction for a 31-year-old patient diagnosed with breast cancer. The multidisciplinary team performed the highly complex procedure this week, marking a significant advancement in the country’s approach to oncological surgery for younger patients. This case represents a growing trend toward immediate reconstruction following cancer removal, offering both medical and psychological benefits.
The patient presented with a malignant lesion in her right breast. Medical teams determined she was an ideal candidate for the combined procedure due to her age, lack of co-existing health conditions, and overall optimal surgical condition. This approach allows for the removal of cancerous tissue and the initiation of breast reconstruction in a single operation, rather than requiring separate surgeries months or years apart.
Multidisciplinary Approach to Cancer Care
The surgical team emphasized that the case required extensive pre-operative planning. A multidisciplinary medical team carefully evaluated all aspects before proceeding with the combined mastectomy and reconstruction procedure.
“The case was carefully evaluated by a multidisciplinary team. She was a young patient, without comorbidities and with optimal conditions for performing immediate reconstruction,” said Dr. César Díaz, an oncology surgeon at the City of Health. [Translated from Spanish]
Following the successful surgery and proper recovery period, the patient will continue with complementary oncology treatments. These may include various approaches depending on the final pathological findings and the recommendations of her specialist team.
Comprehensive Treatment Pathway
The immediate reconstruction approach represents a significant quality of life consideration for cancer patients. By combining the cancer removal and reconstruction into one procedure, patients avoid the psychological impact of waking without a breast and reduce their total number of required surgeries. The complex procedure requires coordination between surgical oncologists and plastic surgeons working in tandem.
After recovering from the surgical procedure, the patient’s treatment pathway will continue based on her specific cancer characteristics. The City of Health noted that complementary treatments could include Radiotherapy, hormone therapy, or Chemotherapy as determined by her medical team. This comprehensive approach addresses both the immediate cancer removal through Mastectomy and long-term recovery considerations.
Medical institutions across Panama are increasingly adopting such integrated treatment models. The successful completion of this complex procedure demonstrates the evolving capabilities within Panama’s public health system to provide advanced surgical options for cancer patients.