About Invasive Breast Cancer
Key Highlights
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Curative intent for early-stage invasive breast cancer.Provides definitive local tumor control and reduces recurrence risk.Allows for accurate pathological staging of the cancer.Breast-conserving options (lumpectomy) often preserve breast appearance.Can be combined with immediate or delayed breast reconstruction.Critical for guiding adjuvant therapy decisions (chemotherapy, radiation)./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) or invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC).
- Early-stage breast cancer (Stages I, II, and some III) where surgery is feasible.
- Localized tumor without evidence of distant metastasis (M0).
- As part of treatment following neoadjuvant chemotherapy to shrink a tumor.
- Prophylactic mastectomy in high-risk patients (e.g., BRCA gene mutation carriers).
- Local recurrence of breast cancer after previous conservation surgery.
How to prepare
- Complete diagnostic workup including mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy confirmation.
- Pre-operative staging with imaging (MRI, CT, or PET scan as indicated).
- Multidisciplinary team consultation with medical oncologist and radiation oncologist.
- Pre-anesthetic check-up and clearance for surgery.
- Discussion and decision on surgical type (lumpectomy vs. mastectomy) and reconstruction options.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours prior to surgery as instructed.
- Discontinuation of blood thinners and certain supplements as advised by the surgeon.
Risks & possible complications
- Surgical site infection, bleeding, or hematoma formation.
- Seroma (fluid collection) requiring drainage.
- Lymphedema (arm swelling) following lymph node removal.
- Numbness, pain, or altered sensation in the chest, underarm, or upper arm.
- Limited shoulder mobility or stiffness.
- Poor wound healing or cosmetic dissatisfaction with the scar or breast shape.
- Risks associated with general anesthesia.
- Potential need for re-excision if surgical margins are not clear of cancer.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay typically required for initial pain management and drain care.
- Drains are usually removed 1-2 weeks post-surgery once output decreases.
- Pain is managed with prescribed medications; arm exercises are started gently to restore mobility.
- Stitches or staples are removed in 10-14 days.
- Avoidance of heavy lifting and strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks.
- Follow-up appointments to review pathology reports and plan adjuvant therapy.
- Emotional support and counseling are often recommended to cope with body image changes.
- Use of a supportive bra or compression garment as advised.
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Typical hospital stay: 2-5 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks for basic activities, 3-6 months for full recovery and adjuvant therapy completion
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering invasive breast cancer in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with breast surgery 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 invasive breast cancer. MediFyr helps you compare breast surgeons 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 invasive breast cancer 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 basic activities, 3-6 months for full recovery and adjuvant therapy completion | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 525 Thousand – 1.75 Million | 2-5 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for basic activities, 3-6 months for full recovery and adjuvant therapy completion | Know More |
Michael Saxena, a 48-year-old software engineer...
Michael Saxena, a 48-year-old software engineer and father of two, had always been proactive about his health, influenced by his mother's battle with ovarian cancer. During a routine shower, he felt a distinct, painless lump in his left breast. Though initially dismissing it, he mentioned it to his wife, who urged him to see a doctor. A mammogram and subsequent ultrasound revealed a suspicious mass. A core needle biopsy confirmed invasive ductal carcinoma, estrogen receptor-positive. His breast surgeon, Dr. Lee, recommended a lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) followed by radiation, given the tumor's small size and favorable location. Michael felt a wave of shock and fear, grappling with the stigma of a 'female' cancer and worries about his family. The surgery itself went smoothly. His recovery was physically straightforward, but emotionally taxing as he adjusted to the scar and the reality of his diagnosis. With the support of a men's breast cancer group and clear pathology reports showing clear margins and no lymph node involvement, his anxiety gradually turned to relief and determination. He now advocates for breast awareness in men, feeling empowered by his survival.
Breast surgeons for Invasive Breast Cancer
Explore experienced breast surgeons who regularly perform invasive breast cancer and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 20 Years Experience
- Breast surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 8 Years Experience
- Breast surgeon
KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Breast surgeon
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 15 Years Experience
- Breast surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon