FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: BREAST CANCER SURGERY, BREAST CANCER TREATMENT IN INDIA

 

Q1. What is breast cancer?

A1. Cancer that originates from the breast cells is referred to as breast cancer. 

 

Q2 What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

 

A2. The breast cancer inflicted patient may present with the following symptoms and signs:

• Presence of a lump in the breast
• Thickening of the breast tissue
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin of the breast.
• Change in the shape or the position of the nipple.
• Discharge from the nipple
• Change in the size of the breast
• May experience pain in the breast or the underarms.

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​Q3 What are the types of Breast cancer surgeries that are done?

 

A3 The Breast cancer surgeries can be broadly classified into 2 types such as:

• Breast conservation surgery(BCS)
• Mastectomy or breast removal surgery.

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​Mastectomy is further classified into:

• Total or simple mastectomy
• Radical mastectomy
• Modified Radical mastectomy
• Partial Mastectomy
• Subcutaneous mastectomy

 

Q4 Are there any scenarios where mastectomy is preferred over the Breast conservation surgery right away?

 

A4  There are two scenarios:

 

1. When Breast conservation surgery is not appropriate for the patient

• In pregnancy, when radiation therapy cannot be given
• Inflammatory cancer of the breast
• Radiation therapy already given to the breast/chest wall

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2. When Mastectomy is clearly the treatment of choice

• Tumors greater than 5 cm
• Locally positive margin
• Connective tissue disease which is active.

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​Q5 Are there any contraindications to MRM surgery?

 

A5. Yes. There are certain conditions where Modified radical mastectomy is not recommended including presence of metastasis. In metastatic breast cancer disease, systemic therapy takes precedence over surgery.

 

 

Q6 What are the various treatment options for breast cancer patients?

 

A6  There are various treatment options for breast cancer patients. However, the most suitable, whether single or in combination, will be determined by your team of experts who will come up with the most comprehensive treatment plan for you after your clinical examination and evaluation of your medical reports. The factors that your specialist consider before making the right treatment decision are your age,over all health, size of the tumor,its stage, grade amongst other factors.

Treatment options are:

• Surgery
  • ​Lumpectomy or BCS(Breast Conservation Surgery)
  • Mastectomy
  • Axillary lymph node dissection
• ​Radiation therapy
  • ​External Beam Radiotherapy (3D conformal, IMRT)
  • Brachytherapy (HDR-high dose radiation therapy and LDR-Low dose radiation therapy)
• ​Systemic Therapy
  • ​Hormonal therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Targeted Drug therapy

 

Q7 What is the usual duration of the Modified Radical mastectomy (MRM) surgery?

 

A7 The surgery takes around 2 to 4 hrs.

 

Q8 What is Simple or Total mastectomy surgery? Who is the candidate for this surgery?

 

A8. Simple or total mastectomy surgery involves

• The removal of the entire breast.
• Axillary lymph nodes are not dissected in this surgery.
• Chest muscles(Pectoral muscles) are spared.

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It is indicated for patients who have DCIS(Ductal carcinoma in situ) in multiple and large areas. It is also indicated for women who wish to undergo prophylactic or preventive surgery to avoid breast cancer in future.

 

Q9 What is Radical Mastectomy?

 

A9 Radical Mastectomy is the most extensive breast removal surgery that involves:

• Removal of the entire breast
• All axillary lymph nodes(Lymph nodes in the armpits) are removed.
• The chest muscles are also entirely removed.

 

In the current scenario, Modified radical mastectomy has completely taken over the traditional radical mastectomy because the traditional surgery calls for a lot of compromise with the woman's appearance. However, in cases where the cancer has spread to the chest muscles beneath the breast, then radical mastectomy is still considered as a viable option. It can be combined with a breast reconstruction surgery,if desired.

 

Q10. What is Partial Mastectomy?

 

A10 Partial Mastectomy involves the removal of the cancer affected tissues of the breast along with the removal of the surrounding healthy breast tissue. Lumpectomy is infact a partial Mastectomy. partial mastectomy may remove a larger affected breast area as compared to that in the Lumpectomy surgery.

 

 

 

Breast Cancer Surgery in India|Breast Cancer Treatment|HealthcaretripIndia

 

• High quality treatment at the most affordable cost 

• No waiting period

• State of the art world class cancer hospitals with complete cancer care under one roof.

• Most advanced equipment,technology and the latest internationally accepted treatment protocols are adopted.

• Multidisciplinary integrated approach- Team of experts from various disciplines such as Radiation Oncologist,Medical Oncologist,Surgical Oncologist, Gynaecologist or specialist of the concerned specialty, all work in coordination taking consolidated review of your condition, right from the screening,diagnosis,treatment and rehabilitation to bring out the best clinical outcome for the patient.

• Globally trained, highly experienced doctors.

• Great ambience.

• Compassionate staff to look after.

• Hospitals accredited with international organizations such as JCI(Joint commission International) for quality standards.

• Language no barrier. English speaking people and if required, translators are available for your convenience.

• Most economical accommodation available at a walking distance from the hospital. Wide range of options starting from guest house, service apartments to five star hotels, best suited to your budget and choice.

• Good flight connectivity.

• India has a diverse and rich cultural heritage. You can witness its beauty and uniqueness. It offers most conducive environment for recuperation.

Top Doctors for Breast Cancer Treatment in India|HealthcaretripIndia

 

Dr Rajeev Agarwal
MBBS, MS
Fellowship Tata Memorial Hospital,Mumbai(Surgical Oncology)
Membership:European Society of Medical Oncology
Indian Association of surgical Oncology
Director and Breast Cancer Surgeon
Medanta Breast Service
Medanta The Medicity, Gurgaon,Delhi-NCR

Dr Harit Chaturvedi
MBBS,MS,MCh(Surgical Oncology)
Chairman,Cancercare, Director and Chief Consultant Surgical Oncology
Max Super Specialty Hospital Saket,New Delhi

Dr Pawan Gupta
MBBS,MS(Surgery),MCh(Surgical Oncology)
Fellowship from Royal College of Surgeons, Glasgow, UK.
Active Member,International Society of Surgery (ISS/SIC).
Additional Director,Institute of Cancer Care
Jaypee Hospital, Noida, Delhi-NCR

Dr(Mrs) Ramesh Sarin

Breast Cancer Surgeon

MBBS, MS,FRCS

Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncology

Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi