For some women, radiotherapy may be used instead of surgery, to treat the axilla. There will be a scar on the breast, and also under the arm if the glands are removed. Small tubes are left beneath the scars after the operation, to drain the wounds. They will be removed a few days later. Your stay in hospital will vary and you should discuss this with your surgeon.
Most women prefer early discharge.
It takes about one week for the pathologist to complete looking at the tissue from the operation, under the microscope. It is only when this is complete that futher treatment such as chemotherapy or hormone treatment can be considered. Radiotherapy Radiotherapy is high energy x-ray treatment. It is given to the remaining breast tissue after the wound has healed, to kill any remaining cancer cells. It is an important part of your complete treatment.