Evaluating the expense related to a medical process such as Mastectomy remains a significant concern for many individuals. It's crucial to observe that the expense associated with this process in Philippines fluctuates among different medical establishments and is affected by numerous elements. For instance, the specific nature of the Mastectomy conducted - be it a complete Mastectomy, a lumpectomy, or a modified radical Mastectomy - will directly affect the overall expense. The complexity of each case also influences the duration of the procedure, which can in turn, alter the pricing.
A key part of the cost structure includes facility fees. Premium clinics or hospitals clinic may demand higher charges owing to their cutting-edge infrastructure, highly skilled surgeons, and top-notch care quality. The post-procedure stay duration at the hospital, the chosen room type, and any extra necessary treatments can also contribute to increasing the cost.
Extra expenses may consist of pre-operation consultations, diagnostic tests, medication, and possibly, physiotherapy after the surgery. Many of these elements are variable, emphasizing the importance of acquiring a detailed price breakdown from the selected medical establishment in Philippines before going ahead.
During a mastectomy, a horizontal or diagonal incision is made across your breast so the tissue can be removed. The amount of tissue removed will depend on the type of mastectomy you are undergoing as other parts of the breast may also be removed. Some of the main types of mastectomy are as follows:
All types of mastectomy are performed under general anesthetic, so you will be ‘asleep’ and unaware of anything while the surgery is carried out.
A mastectomy takes about 1 to 3 hours to complete. Most patients are allowed to leave the hospital on the same day. If the procedure is followed by breast reconstruction, you may need to stay for 2 to 3 days. In total, you should plan to stay in Philippines for 14 days because you will need to attend follow-up checkups and your doctor may want you to get more treatment based on your pathology report.
The recovery period depends on the type of mastectomy you undergo. The total recovery time may take about 4 to 6 weeks. However, you will be able to get back to work within 2 to 3 weeks (if your job does not involve a lot of physical activities).
In the current phase, crucial steps involve efficiently dealing with any discomfort, ensuring that the operated section remains hygienic and moisture-free, executing prescribed workouts for enhancing the mobility of the arm and shoulder, participating in subsequent check-ins, and slowly resuming typical tasks.
Paying attention to what your physical system is signaling and carving out substantial rest periods for rejuvenation are fundamental elements in accelerating the healing process. Implementing a balanced, nutritious diet and keeping a positive mindset can also drastically aid in faster recovery. Make sure you stay well-hydrated and avoid any activities that might strain the surgical area. Reach out to your healthcare provider whenever you have any concerns or questions, and don't rush through the process - remember that healing takes time.
Your surgeon will give you detailed aftercare instructions, which may include a diet plan, signs of infection to recognize, use of medicines, any restrictions, and caring for the surgical wounds. Your doctor may also recommend that you do some arm exercises to encourage a full range of movement back to the area around the arm.
You should also schedule regular checkups to ensure cancer has not come back. You can choose to have the checkups with your local doctor of the doctor in Philippines. Furthermore, if your pathology result shows that you will need more treatment, your surgeon may refer you to a radiation oncologist, a medical oncologist, or a counselor.
The survival rate for breast cancer patients may increase significantly after a mastectomy. A study revealed that 81.2% of women who had double mastectomy survived more than 10 years. In some cases, recurrence can occur, resulting in malignancy. This decreases the success rate of the procedure. Mastectomy done to treat gynecomastia is recorded to have a 90% success rate.
The positive outcome of a Mastectomy is highly dependent on thorough evaluations before surgery, skilled surgical execution, after-surgery care, and the patient's obedience to instructions following surgery. Subsequently, selecting a reputable medical facility with a demonstrated record of effective Mastectomy, offering a complete aftercare service, can significantly improve the total efficacy of the operation.
The alternative to mastectomy are as follows:
In preparation for a Mastectomy in Philippines, you should prepare for several preliminary activities. These can involve medical imaging studies, blood work, and a detailed conversation with your operating surgeon. This interaction with your surgeon serves as a chance to gain deeper knowledge about the operation, its likely risks and advantages, as well as exchanging your hopes and concerns. Furthermore, you will be given specific directives to adhere to before the procedure, such as guidelines on fasting and alterations to your present medication regime.
After the operation, you will be relocated to a recuperation area where medical staff will maintain a close watch on your vital signs. The duration of your hospital admission can fluctuate, but anticipate remaining in the facility for several days following the operation. Common physical discomforts such as pain, inflammation, and discoloration are manageable with prescribed drugs. Additionally, you will be given guidance on caring for your surgical wound, restrictions on physical activities, and signs to be vigilant for.
The process of healing from Mastectomy can be slow and requires a conscientious approach to personal care and routine check-ups. It's important to maintain realistic expectations since adapting to the physical and emotional shifts after the procedure could demand time. Open discussions with your health professional regarding any issues or hardships you're confronting are fundamental. Given the emotional toll of Mastectomy, sourcing psychological assistance during this recuperation period could be advantageous.
Like other surgical procedures, mastectomy carries a risk of complications. The risks you need to be aware of are:
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers. This content was last updated on 20/07/2023.
The Philippines is an island nation in the heart of Southeast Asia. It extends from the south of China to the northern tip of Borneo. It is also known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient Seas’, the Philippines is an archipelago of 7,107 islands. It comprises three main island groups, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Manila, the capital city, lies in the southwestern part of Luzon. Quezon City is the largest and most populous city in the country.
It is a prominent English-speaking country and was once a colony of Spain and the United States. It’s the most Westernised country in Asia. However, its culture is a mix of indigenous Malay culture and Spanish and American heritage.
Besides being one of the top tourist destinations, the Philippines is also an emerging medical tourism destination. It ranks in 8th position among popular medical tourism countries and more than 10,000 medical tourists visit the Philippines every year for various treatments. The following factors all contribute to the progress of medical tourism within the Philippines.
The most common and popular procedures and treatments in the Philippines are cosmetic surgery, weight-loss surgery, dermatology, ophthalmology, and dentistry. As of late, people come here even for liver and kidney transplant surgeries, and cardiac surgeries due to the cost advantage it provides.
For example, a Breast Augmentation surgery that costs between $7,500-$8,500 in the US costs only between $3,000-$3,500 in the Philippines which would be a saving of about 58% to 60%. Also, a coronary artery bypass surgery costing $70,000-$133,000 in the US, will only cost between $11,500-$17,500 and would result in a saving of almost 83% to 86%. Even after adding travel and living expenses, it still makes it a, very good value for the patient to get medical care in the Philippines and several of the more popular Hospital and Clinics are located in Manila, and are St. Luke's Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, The Medical City and Asian Hospital and Medical Center
The Philippines has a total land area of 116,000 square miles, with a large population of 107,791,044 million people. It has many pristine beaches, mountains, rainforests, islands, heritage towns, and monuments, With hotels, food, and transportation very affordable, it’s also a good budget tourism destination.
The following are some of the most beautiful places to visit in the Philippines:
Boracay and Siargao are other popular tourist spots with their powdery white sand and water activities.
The Philippines has a tropical maritime climate. The general weather is hot and very humid. It experiences only three seasons:
The average temperature of the Philippines ranges between 25°C and 32°C (78-90°F) with humidity of about 77%. High-altitude areas are much cooler, with night temperatures dropping to 20°C (68°F). The average annual temperature is around 26.6°C (79.9°F)
The Philippines is an island nation, most international travelers reach the country by air. The country has many international airports in various cities including Cebu, Davao, Manila, Kalibo, and Angeles.
Many airlines operate flights in and out of Manila to several destinations. Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Air Asia are the national carriers of the Philippines. Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and many Middle Eastern airlines operate direct flights to Manila. The Southeast Asian cities of Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City have wide connectivity to Manila and Cebu. You can reach Manila directly from London by flying Philippine Airlines. US travelers can fly via Japan to the Philippines.
Cebu Pacific, Tigerair Philippines, and PAL Express are some low-cost carriers that service domestic destinations in the country.
For transport within the Philippines, you have Jeepneys which are WWII- army jeeps converted into transport jeeps. They are cheap, open, and usually fully loaded with passengers which are normally cramped with 14 to 20 people sitting shoulder to shoulder depending on the length of the vehicle They operate as collective taxis, picking up and dropping passengers within cities.
Travelers from more than 150 countries that have diplomatic relations with the Philippines can enter the country without a tourist visa. EU, Australia, Japan, and the US are a few visa-exempt countries. In general, you can stay for up to 30 days, provided your passport is valid for at least six months after your arrival. Showing proof of onward and return journeys is compulsory.
Citizens of India, China, and Egypt are some of the countries that will need to get a visa in advance to enter the Philippines.