Overview

Breast cancer surgery is one of the most important treatment options for many patients diagnosed with breast cancer. The main goal of surgery is to remove the cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as safely possible. Depending on the type, size, location, and stage of breast cancer, a patient may be advised to undergo breast-conserving surgery or removal of the breast tissue.

The choice of Breast Cancer Surgery is different for every patient. Doctors consider the tumor size, number and location of tumors, lymph node involvement, cancer stage, tumor biology, overall health, and other planned treatments before recommending a procedure. In some cases, surgery is performed first, while patients with certain locally advanced cancers may receive chemotherapy or other treatment before surgery to shrink the tumor.

What is Breast Cancer Surgery?

Breast cancer surgery involves removing a breast tumor and, when necessary, nearby lymph nodes that may contain cancer cells. It is commonly used as part of treatment for breast cancer that can be surgically removed.

There are two major approaches to breast cancer surgery:

• Lumpectomy: Removes the cancerous tumor along with a margin of surrounding tissue while preserving most of the breast.
• Mastectomy: Removes most or all of the breast tissue and may be recommended for certain larger, multiple, or otherwise unsuitable tumors.

In selected patients, lymph node procedures may also be performed during the same operation to determine whether breast cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.

What are the Types of Breast Cancer Surgery?

Lumpectomy

Lumpectomy, also called breast-conserving surgery, removes the breast cancer along with a small margin of surrounding healthy-looking tissue. Most of the breast is preserved.

Lumpectomy may be suitable for selected patients, particularly when the cancer can be completely removed while maintaining an acceptable breast appearance. Radiation therapy is often recommended following breast-conserving surgery to reduce the risk of cancer returning in the treated breast.

Mastectomy

Mastectomy involves removing most or all of the breast tissue. It may be recommended when breast-conserving surgery is not appropriate or when removing the entire breast provides a better treatment option.

Mastectomy may be considered in situations such as:

• A large tumor relative to breast size
• Cancer present in more than one area of the breast
• Certain locally advanced breast cancers
• Cancer that cannot be adequately removed with clear margins through lumpectomy
• Recurrence of breast cancer in a previously treated breast
• Certain patients with a significantly increased risk of breast cancer

The exact type of mastectomy depends on the patient's diagnosis and treatment plan.

Breast-Conserving Surgery

Breast-conserving surgery aims to remove the cancer while keeping most of the breast. Lumpectomy is the most common breast-conserving procedure.

The suitability of this approach depends on whether the cancer can be completely removed with adequate margins and whether the patient can receive the additional treatment recommended after surgery.

Lymph Node Surgery

Breast cancer can sometimes spread to lymph nodes located in the armpit. Doctors may examine these lymph nodes during breast cancer surgery to determine the extent of disease.

Two commonly used procedures are:

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: A small number of sentinel lymph nodes are identified and removed for laboratory examination. This can provide important information about whether cancer has reached the lymphatic system.

Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: A larger number of lymph nodes from the armpit may be removed in selected patients when there is evidence of lymph node involvement or when more extensive lymph node treatment is required.

Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Breast Reconstruction Surgery is a procedure used to recreate the shape and appearance of the breast after breast cancer surgery. It may be considered after a mastectomy and, in selected cases, following other breast surgeries.

Breast reconstruction can be performed using:

• Breast implants
• The patient's own tissue
• A combination of implant and tissue-based techniques

Depending on the patient's treatment plan, reconstruction may be performed at the same time as mastectomy or during a later operation.

Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy

Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy can help restore the appearance and shape of the breast following removal of breast tissue. Some patients may undergo immediate reconstruction during the mastectomy, while others may choose delayed reconstruction after completing cancer treatment.

The timing and technique of reconstruction depend on factors such as the type and stage of cancer, the need for chemotherapy or radiation therapy, overall health, body characteristics, and personal preferences.

Not every patient requires or chooses breast reconstruction. Some patients may prefer an external breast prosthesis or may choose not to undergo reconstruction. These options can be discussed with the treating surgical team.

When is Breast Cancer Surgery Recommended?

Breast cancer surgery may be recommended when the tumor is localized and can be safely removed. Surgery can also form part of treatment for some patients with locally advanced disease after other treatments have reduced the tumor.

The timing of surgery depends on the overall treatment strategy. It may be performed:

• As the initial treatment for selected breast cancers
• After chemotherapy to reduce tumor size
• After targeted treatment in selected patients
• Along with sentinel lymph node biopsy
• Along with axillary lymph node surgery when indicated
• As part of treatment for recurrent breast cancer

Your breast cancer team will determine whether surgery is appropriate and which procedure is most suitable.

How is Breast Cancer Surgery Planned?

Before surgery, the doctor reviews the patient's clinical examination, mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy results, and other relevant investigations. The cancer stage and biological characteristics are also considered.

Important factors in surgical planning include:

• Tumor size
• Tumor location
• Number of tumors
• Breast size and shape
• Lymph node involvement
• Cancer stage
• Hormone receptor status
• HER2 status
• Previous radiation or breast surgery
• Overall health
• Need for chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• Patient preferences

When multiple treatment options are medically suitable, the surgeon discusses their potential benefits, limitations, risks, and expected recovery with the patient.

What Happens During Breast Cancer Surgery?

The exact surgical procedure depends on the type of operation being performed. Breast cancer surgery is generally carried out under anesthesia.

During surgery, the cancerous tissue is removed along with an appropriate margin of surrounding tissue. When indicated, lymph nodes may also be evaluated or removed.

The removed tissue is sent to a pathology laboratory for detailed examination. The pathology report can provide information about the tumor, surgical margins, lymph nodes, and other characteristics that help guide further treatment.

What Happens After Breast Cancer Surgery?

After surgery, patients are monitored during recovery and provided with instructions regarding wound care, activity, medications, and follow-up appointments.

The final pathology results are reviewed by the oncology team to determine whether additional treatment is required. Depending on the diagnosis, further treatment may include:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy in selected patients
• Regular follow-up and surveillance

The need for additional treatment depends on the individual cancer diagnosis and its risk of recurrence.

What are the Benefits of Breast Cancer Surgery?

The primary purpose of breast cancer surgery is to remove the cancer from the breast and provide local control of the disease. Surgery can also provide important tissue for pathological evaluation and help doctors determine the stage and characteristics of the cancer.

Potential benefits include:

• Removal of the primary breast tumor
• Reduction of cancerous tissue in the breast
• Evaluation of nearby lymph nodes
• Detailed examination of the removed tumor
• Better local control of breast cancer
• Supporting the overall cancer treatment plan

The expected benefits depend on the patient's cancer type, stage, and chosen surgical procedure.

What are the Possible Risks of Breast Cancer Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, breast cancer surgery has potential risks. The risk varies depending on the type and extent of surgery and the patient's overall health.

Possible complications may include:

• Pain or discomfort
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Swelling
• Fluid accumulation or seroma
• Scarring
• Changes in breast shape or appearance
• Numbness or altered sensation
• Shoulder stiffness
• Lymphedema following certain lymph node procedures
• Complications related to anesthesia

Your surgeon will explain the potential risks and precautions before surgery.

How Long Does it Take to Recover After Breast Cancer Surgery?

Recovery time varies depending on whether the patient undergoes lumpectomy, mastectomy, lymph node surgery, or breast reconstruction. Some patients can return to light activities relatively soon, while more extensive procedures may require a longer recovery period.

Patients should follow their surgeon's instructions regarding physical activity, wound care, exercises, medications, and follow-up appointments. Recovery can also be influenced by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other treatments given before or after surgery.

Why Choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Breast Cancer Surgery in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital is the Best Breast Cancer Surgery Hospital in Lucknow, India, with experienced breast surgeons, oncologists, and a multidisciplinary cancer care team. We provide individualized surgical planning based on the type, size, location, and stage of breast cancer, with appropriate options such as Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, lymph node surgery, and Breast Reconstruction Surgery when indicated. Our team focuses on safe surgical care, modern facilities, careful recovery monitoring, and coordinated follow-up treatment. With comprehensive cancer care and affordable treatment options, Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital supports patients seeking quality Breast Cancer Treatment in Lucknow, India.

To Seek Expert Consultation for Breast Cancer Surgery in Lucknow, India

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

Request a Call Back