Breast Cancer and Surgical Oncology

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Indian women. Since no two breast cancers are alike, it is essential for specialists to thoroughly evaluate the patient’s diagnostic information and adopt a personalized, patient-centric approach to provide the best care.

Breast surgical oncology is a specialized branch of surgical oncology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. This subspecialty emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of breast cancer to manage it effectively using various surgical approaches.

Surgical Approaches for Breast Cancer Management

At Gemcare Cancer Institute, our breast oncology team includes some of the most skilled breast cancer surgeons in India, who specialize in managing simple to complex breast cancer cases. Our surgeons are extensively trained in:

• Breast Biopsy
• Lumpectomy (removal of the tumour from the breast)
• Mastectomy (removal of the entire breast)
• Lymph Node Excision
• Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Detailed Surgical Procedures

Breast Biopsy

A breast biopsy involves removing a small sample of breast tissue to examine it under a microscope for the presence of cancerous cells. Types of biopsies include:

• Fine Needle Aspiration
• Core Needle Biopsy
• Excisional Biopsy

Lumpectomy

This procedure involves removing the breast tumour along with a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue. Also known as “breast conservation surgery,” it is typically used for early-stage breast cancers.

Mastectomy

Mastectomy involves removing the entire breast. Types of mastectomies include:

• Radical Mastectomy: Removes the entire breast, all lymph nodes under the arm, and chest muscles.
• Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: Removes breast tissue and nipple while preserving the skin for reconstruction.
• Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: Removes breast tissue but preserves the nipple and skin, followed by reconstructive surgery.
• Total Mastectomy: Removes the entire breast, including the nipple and areola.
• Modified Radical Mastectomy: Removes the breast, some lymph nodes, and the lining over chest muscles, leaving the chest muscles intact.

The type of mastectomy recommended depends on the size, stage, and location of the breast cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health.

Lymph Node Excision

In this procedure, lymph nodes likely to be affected by breast cancer are removed and examined for cancer cells. This helps determine the cancer’s spread and the need for further treatment.

Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Breast reconstruction surgery restores the breast’s shape after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. This surgery improves self-esteem and quality of life for patients undergoing breast cancer treatment. At Gemcare Cancer Institute, reconstruction options include:

• Implant-Based Reconstruction: Uses artificial implants (saline or silicone) to recreate breast shape.
• Autologous Reconstruction: Uses tissue from other parts of the body, such as the abdomen, buttocks, or thighs, to rebuild the breast.
• Hybrid Reconstruction: Combines implants and autologous tissue to reconstruct the breast.

Reconstruction surgery can be performed immediately after cancer surgery or delayed to allow healing.

Breast Surgical Oncology at Gemcare Cancer Institute

At Gemcare Cancer Institute, our breast surgical oncology subspecialty ensures accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for every breast cancer patient. Our team comprises some of India’s top breast cancer surgeons who prioritize high-quality treatment while focusing on patient comfort and quality of life.