About Breast Cancer Surgery
Key Highlights
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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.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-3 days
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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.
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 surgery. 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 surgery compare across other countries where we have data.
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.
- 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