Learn about Breast Cancer Recurrence Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Breast Cancer Recurrence and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Breast Cancer Recurrence

Breast cancer recurrence surgery is a specialized procedure performed by a surgical oncologist to remove new or returning cancerous tissue in the breast, chest wall, or nearby lymph nodes after initial treatment. This may involve a lumpectomy (removing the tumor and a small margin of healthy tissue), a mastectomy (removing all breast tissue), or lymph node dissection. The goal is to achieve local control of the disease, alleviate symptoms, and improve long-term outcomes. The specific surgical approach is highly personalized, based on the location and extent of the recurrence, the patient's previous treatments, and overall health. This procedure is a critical component of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment plan that may also include radiation, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy.

Key Highlights

    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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 2-5 days
  • checked 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.

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
PATIENT REVIEW

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.

Dr. Nitish Ranjan Acharya
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

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Dr. Devesh S. Ballal
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Lakshmanan C.
  • 39 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Manjunath N. M. L.
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated