Learn about Breast Cancer Surgery 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 Surgery and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Breast Cancer Surgery

Breast cancer surgery is a primary treatment performed by a surgical oncologist to remove cancerous tissue from the breast and, when necessary, nearby lymph nodes. The specific procedure, such as lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) or mastectomy (complete breast removal), is tailored to the tumor's size, location, and stage, as well as the patient's preferences. The goal is to achieve complete tumor excision with clear margins while preserving as much healthy breast tissue and cosmetic appearance as possible. This surgery is often combined with other treatments like radiation, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to eradicating cancer and preventing recurrence.

Key Highlights

    Primary method for removing localized breast cancer tumors.Can be breast-conserving (lumpectomy) or involve complete removal (mastectomy).Often includes sentinel lymph node biopsy to check for cancer spread.Performed by specialized surgical oncologists with expertise in cancer surgery.Aims for clear surgical margins to reduce the risk of local recurrence.Can be combined with immediate or delayed breast reconstruction./ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Diagnosis of invasive breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
  • A tumor that is localized to the breast or has limited spread to lymph nodes.
  • As part of a treatment plan following neoadjuvant (pre-surgery) chemotherapy.
  • Prophylactic (preventive) surgery for individuals at very high genetic risk (e.g., BRCA mutation carriers).
  • Recurrent breast cancer in a previously treated breast.

How to prepare

  • Complete diagnostic workup including mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy.
  • Pre-operative consultations with the surgical oncologist, anesthesiologist, and possibly a plastic surgeon.
  • Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the doctor.
  • Fasting for 8-12 hours before the surgery as per anesthesia guidelines.
  • Arranging for post-operative support and care at home.
  • Discussion of surgical options, risks, benefits, and expectations for recovery and cosmetic outcome.

Risks & possible complications

  • General surgical risks: Reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, or blood clots.
  • Specific risks: Persistent post-operative pain, seroma (fluid collection), or hematoma.
  • Changes in breast sensation, appearance, or symmetry.
  • Lymphedema (arm swelling) if lymph nodes are removed.
  • Limited shoulder mobility on the operated side.
  • Rare risks include damage to nearby nerves or blood vessels.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Hospital stay typically required for initial pain management and monitoring.
  • Drainage tubes may be placed to remove fluid and are usually removed within 1-2 weeks.
  • Pain is managed with prescribed medications; strenuous activity should be avoided for several weeks.
  • Specific arm and shoulder exercises are crucial to restore mobility and prevent stiffness.
  • Follow-up appointments to monitor healing, review pathology reports, and plan adjuvant therapy.
  • Emotional support and counseling are often recommended as part of comprehensive recovery.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 1-3 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 2-6 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering breast cancer surgery 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 surgery compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 150 Thousand – 500 Thousand 1-3 days ~ 2-6 weeks Know More
Turkey TRY 525 Thousand – 1.75 Million 1-3 days ~ 2-6 weeks Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

Myra Patel, a 52-year-old high school...

Myra Patel, a 52-year-old high school biology teacher and mother of two, discovered a small, firm lump in her left breast during a routine self-exam. She had no family history of breast cancer. A diagnostic mammogram and subsequent biopsy confirmed it was Stage I invasive ductal carcinoma, estrogen-receptor positive. Her surgical oncologist, Dr. Evans, recommended a lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) followed by radiation, explaining it had equivalent survival rates to a mastectomy for her early-stage cancer. Myra was terrified but chose the lumpectomy to preserve her body image. The surgery itself was straightforward, performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Recovery involved managing initial pain and tightness, followed by a course of daily radiation. A year later, Myra is cancer-free, back to teaching and hiking. Her emotional journey was a rollercoaster, initial shock and fear gave way to a determined focus on treatment. Post-surgery, she felt profound relief mixed with anxiety about recurrence, but ongoing support groups and clear follow-up scans have helped her rebuild a sense of safety and gratitude for her health.

Surgical Oncologists for Breast Cancer Surgery

Explore experienced surgical oncologists who regularly perform breast cancer surgery 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