Breast cancer Treatment & Diagnostics in Chirag Enclave, Delhi
Breast cancer
Introduction to breast cancer
Treatment plans for breast cancer often need a combination of two or more approaches. Surgery is one of the major procedures for breast cancer treatment along with radiation therapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and other treatments.
After diagnosing the stage of cancer, your doctor will weigh in factors like your age, medical history, and genetic mutation status to determine the treatment plan. It’s best to consult a breast cancer surgery specialist in Bangalore for early intervention and treatment.
What is breast cancer surgery?
Breast cancer surgery involves the removal of the tumor and surrounding tissues, performed under general anesthesia. The surgical oncologist (cancer surgery specialist) will also examine the nearby lymph nodes that are under your arms during the procedure. The size and location of the tumors play a key role in the type of procedure that your surgeon will choose. The procedures included in the operation are:
- Mastectomy - Removal of the whole breast
- Lumpectomy - Removal of part of breast tissues
- Biopsy -Examining the lymph nodes around
- Breast reconstruction after mastectomy
Why is breast cancer surgery done?
The primary intention of the surgery is to remove or stop the spread of cancerous cells. If you choose to have breast reconstruction, the implant procedure will also be done at the same time. The surgical treatment is done for various stages of breast cancer:
- The surgery is recommended for people with high risks for breast cancer to reduce the risks in the future. Based on strong family history, people would sometimes consider mastectomy (removal of the complete breast) to prevent breast cancer.
- Treatment of early-stage cancer
- Treating non-invasive breast cancer
- Large breast cancers
- Locally advanced breast cancer
- Recurrent breast cancer
If you have been experiencing symptoms associated with breast cancer or have been diagnosed with cancer in the breast, get your earliest appointment with a breast cancer doctor near you.
Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Chirag Enclave, Delhi.
Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.
What are the different types of breast cancer surgery?
Lumpectomy and Mastectomy are the two types of breast cancer surgical procedures. Your doctor will discuss the right choice for you depending on your genetic predisposition, size, and location of the tumor, as well as your personal preference.
- Mastectomy involves the removal of the entire breast when cancer has spread throughout the breast. Double mastectomy or bilateral mastectomy is opted by some people to remove both breasts. Talk to your oncologist to understand the procedure and know whether the skin or the nipple can be preserved. Breast reconstruction will also be performed during the same operation or later in some cases.
- Lumpectomy is called breast-conserving surgery. Only the cancerous cells and affected tissues are removed in this procedure. This procedure is the preferred choice when the cancer is only in a part of the breast. The procedure is often followed by radiation therapy to ensure the complete removal of cancer.
What are the risks involved in breast cancer surgery?
Breast cancer surgery is a relatively safe procedure. Minor possibilities of complications that can arise are:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Permanent scarring
- Lymphedema or swelling of the arm
- Collection of fluid at the surgical site
- Loss or altered sensation after reconstruction
- Reaction to anesthesia
Conclusion
Early diagnosis is key to the best outcome. It’s therefore important to be aware of the changes in your breasts and have regular checkups (mammograms). The stage of diagnosis will impact the treatment plan in addition to the type of cancer and other health factors.
A multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals will study your case and recommend the right procedure based on the type, size, area affected by cancer. The specialist team will explain why the particular procedure is better suited for your condition. Your personal preference will also be taken into account when your oncologist makes the decision.
In the case of lumpectomy, most patients get discharged the same day as the surgery. Mastectomy cases usually require an overnight stay if you undergo reconstruction as well. Your discharge also depends on your health condition after surgery.
Short-term pain and discomfort in the treated area are expected after-effects of the surgery.
You may also experience tightness of skin around the breast, weakness in the arm, and swelling in the arm(in case of lymph node removal). Pain medications and antibiotics will be prescribed at the time of discharge. If any of the mentioned conditions persist, contact your physician.