Understanding Breast Cancer Surgery
In-depth Overview

Breast cancer surgery can essentially be bifurcated into two components – the surgery of the breast itself and the axillary surgery, referring to the lymph nodes in the armpit. This blog post will explore both these facets.

As a medical centre specializing in breast cancer and oncoplasty surgery, we often get questions about the complexities of breast cancer surgery.

Our mission here is to unravel these intricacies and offer a comprehensive understanding of the procedures involved.

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Mastectomy involves removing the entire breast, including the tumour.

On the other hand, in a breast conservative treatment, only the tumour and surrounding tissue are removed, preserving the majority of the breast.

Following BCT, a reconstruction or oncoplasty may be necessary to restore the breast’s shape and size.

However, a crucial point to note here is that BCT must be followed up with radiation therapy. This combined treatment approach of BCT and radiation therapy is non-negotiable for ensuring comprehensive treatment.

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If you are looking for a breast cancer surgeon in Mumbai, Dr. Jay Anam is the person you are looking for. He has more than 15 years of experience in his expertise. Dr. Jay Anam has Completed his M.Ch. Surgical Oncology training from Tata Memorial Centre.

While mastectomy is a more invasive surgery, radiation therapy might not always be necessary afterwards.

However, it becomes crucial in certain situations:

• If the tumour size is greater than 5 centimeters.
• If the tumour has caused ulceration or open sores on the skin.
• If any of the axillary lymph nodes have tested positive for cancer.

However, if the tumour size is less than 5 centimeters, there’s no skin ulceration due to the tumour, and there are no cancer-positive axillary nodes, radiation therapy might not be required post-mastectomy.

Also you may need to know, should you go with Immediate OR Delayed Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy.

However, it becomes crucial in certain situations:

• If the tumour size is greater than 5 centimeters.
• If the tumour has caused ulceration or open sores on the skin.
• If any of the axillary lymph nodes have tested positive for cancer.

However, if the tumour size is less than 5 centimeters, there’s no skin ulceration due to the tumour, and there are no cancer-positive axillary nodes, radiation therapy might not be required post-mastectomy.

In a sentinel node biopsy, only two or three nodes are removed, identified during the surgery with the help of special dyes. These nodes are immediately sent for a “frozen section“, a rapid histopathology test conducted during surgery.

If the sentinel nodes are found to be cancer-free, there’s no need for a complete axillary clearance, thereby reducing potential complications. Similarly, in low axillary sampling, a defined set of nodes is examined.

If these nodes are also cancer-free, axillary clearance can be avoided.

If you have further doubts or queries about breast cancer surgery or any other related topics, please feel free to drop your questions in the comment section below. Our team will respond as soon as possible.

At our medical center, patient education and care are of paramount importance. We hope this comprehensive explanation of breast cancer surgery will empower those affected and their loved ones during this challenging time.