About Breast Cancer Recurrence
Key Highlights
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Aims for complete removal of recurrent cancer to achieve local disease control.Performed by specialized surgical oncologists with expertise in complex breast cancer cases.Can alleviate symptoms like pain or ulceration caused by the recurrent tumor.Often part of a tailored, multidisciplinary treatment plan for better outcomes.Provides tissue samples for detailed pathology and biomarker testing to guide further therapy.
Who is this surgery for?
- Detection of a new tumor in the same breast (ipsilateral recurrence) after lumpectomy and radiation.
- Cancer returning in the chest wall or skin after a previous mastectomy (local recurrence).
- Biopsy-confirmed cancer in regional lymph nodes (nodal recurrence).
- Symptomatic recurrence causing pain, skin changes, or ulceration.
- Isolated recurrence where surgery offers the best chance for cure or long-term control.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive imaging (MRI, PET-CT, ultrasound) to map the exact location and extent of recurrence.
- Biopsy to confirm cancer and analyze its hormone receptor and HER2 status.
- Detailed review of previous surgical, radiation, and chemotherapy history.
- Pre-operative anesthesia evaluation and clearance based on overall health.
- Discussion of surgical options, expected outcomes, and potential need for reconstruction.
Risks & possible complications
- Standard surgical risks: bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, or anesthesia reactions.
- Persistent pain, numbness, or limited arm/shoulder mobility (especially with lymph node surgery).
- Lymphedema (chronic arm swelling) if axillary lymph nodes are removed.
- Changes in breast appearance, asymmetry, or contour defects.
- Potential for incomplete resection if cancer is more extensive than anticipated.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay typically required for pain management and monitoring of surgical drains.
- Arm and shoulder exercises are started soon after surgery to prevent stiffness.
- Careful wound care and monitoring for signs of infection at home.
- Gradual return to light activities; heavy lifting is restricted for several weeks.
- Follow-up appointments to review pathology results and plan adjuvant therapies like radiation or systemic treatment.
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Typical hospital stay: 2-5 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; several months for full strength and sensation
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering breast cancer recurrence in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with surgical oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform breast cancer recurrence. MediFyr helps you compare surgical oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for breast cancer recurrence compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 150 Thousand – 500 Thousand | 2-5 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; several months for full strength and sensation | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 525 Thousand – 1.75 Million | 2-5 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; several months for full strength and sensation | Know More |
Vivaan Kumar, 48, is a software...
Vivaan Kumar, 48, is a software architect and father of two teenage daughters. He was diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer three years ago, undergoing a lumpectomy, radiation, and five years of tamoxifen. During a routine self-exam, he felt a distinct, hard lump in the same breast, near the original scar. A follow-up mammogram and biopsy confirmed a local recurrence. His surgical oncologist, Dr. Lee, explained that while the cancer was still confined, a mastectomy was now the most definitive option to achieve clear margins and reduce future risk, given the recurrence. Vivaan underwent a unilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using a tissue expander. The physical recovery was smoother than his first surgery, but the emotional toll was heavier. He grappled with feelings of failure and fear for his daughters' genetic risk. Post-surgery pathology showed clear margins and no lymph node involvement. With the cancer physically removed again and a plan to switch to a different hormone therapy, Vivaan shifted from anxiety to a determined vigilance. He now channels his energy into advocacy for male breast cancer awareness, finding purpose in his journey.
Surgical Oncologists for Breast Cancer Recurrence
Explore experienced surgical oncologists who regularly perform breast cancer recurrence and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 9 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore