General surgery is a technical discipline that includes surgical treatment of systemic and regional problems in the body; general principles, wound healing, metabolic and endocrinological responses to trauma, and it has influenced many surgical and basic medical fields in terms of their development. It is generally a surgical specialty that focuses on the abdomen, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts. In addition, it also covers work on the thyroid, peripheral vessels, breast, soft tissue, burns, skin, and hernias.
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the front part of the neck, just below the cartilage prominence known as the “Adam’s apple.” It secretes thyroid hormones, which are vital for the body. Abnormal lumps or masses of different structures and sizes formed within the thyroid tissue are called thyroid nodules. Thyroid nodules are a common problem. What is important here is the diagnosis and treatment of nodules in your thyroid that may be cancerous. Goiter is the name given to the enlargement of the thyroid gland. This enlargement can be stopped with drug treatment, or it may require surgical treatment due to excessive growth, excessive hormone secretion, or pressure on surrounding organs.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. Although it can also occur in men, almost 1 in 8 women in the community is diagnosed with breast cancer. The risk increases even more, especially in older women. Early diagnosis is critically important to prevent cancer cells from spreading to other organs. Painless hard formations noticed in the breast area are usually the first symptoms. Often confused with lipomas or benign breast cysts, breast cancer can be harder and more fixed in place. Patients generally do not feel any pain in the early stages; however, in the later stages, pain may accompany the disease as another symptom. Nipple discharge is another symptom that should be considered. These discharges are divided into two types. In some patients, these discharges are without blood, while in others, they can be bloody. Bloody discharge is a more serious finding. Women with a family history of breast cancer, such as in their mother or aunt, should not neglect to see a doctor after the age of 35. In addition to routine annual check-ups, mammography and ultrasonography should be used to check both breasts and armpit tissues. Furthermore, every woman should be aware of self-breast examination and consult a doctor without delay when noticing any changes. Some of the symptoms and signs of benign breast diseases overlap with those of breast cancer. Therefore, differential diagnosis should be done carefully. Breast cysts, fibroadenomas, and especially breast infections and abscesses seen during pregnancy and breastfeeding are benign breast diseases that require careful diagnosis and treatment planning.
