Breast cancer treatment in recent years has become more personalized, conservative, and effective thanks to advances in research and clinical trials. In addition to improving survival rates, this has improved quality of life as well.

Conservative surgery followed by breast radiotherapy is now the recommended treatment for early-stage invasive breast cancer, replacing modified radical mastectomy. Public awareness campaigns and preemptive screening initiatives have helped more women find tiny tumors early in their cancer journeys. Studies have shown that lumpectomy and radiation treatment or a modified total mastectomy produce comparable results for women with early-stage invasive breast cancer.

What is Breast Conserving Surgery?

Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) eliminates the malignancy while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible. Typically, some lymph nodes and adjacent healthy tissue are also taken. Depending on how much tissue is taken during the procedure, breast-conserving surgery may also be referred to as a lumpectomy, quadrantectomy, partial mastectomy, or segmental mastectomy.

Who Can Have Breast-Conserving Surgery?

Many women with early-stage tumors should consider breast-conserving surgery (BCS). The primary benefit is that the majority of a woman’s breast is kept. But most women also require radiation treatment, which is administered by a radiation specialist. Women who undergo a mastectomy for early-stage cancers are less likely to require radiation therapy, but because every patient’s cancer is different, they might still be directed to a radiation doctor for assessment.

Why might I need Breast-Conserving Surgery?

BCS may be performed as part of breast cancer therapy. This procedure may be a possibility for some women who have a small, localized lump. Many people with breast cancer in the early stages have it as a choice.

Your breast is partially removed with BCS. You may be concerned that this may increase the likelihood of your malignancy coming back. However, BCS can be just as effective as a breast-removal procedure (mastectomy). According to studies, women who have BCS followed by radiation treatment have the same long-term survival percentages as women who have a mastectomy. Your doctor may advise BCS for additional causes.

Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and tailored medication therapy are just a few of the breast cancer treatments available. The position and size of the tumor, the outcomes of your lab tests, and whether cancer has spread to other areas of your body are just a few of the variables that will determine what’s best for you. In addition, when compared to other nations, breast cancer treatment in India offers some of the best and most reasonable costs. 

Procedure: Breast-Conserving Surgery

• Breast-Conserving under general anesthetic, surgeries are performed. For the duration of the procedure, patients are administered medicine to make them sleepy.
• Your blood pressure, pulse rate, blood oxygen level, and respiration are all monitored during the procedure by the team of specialists on hand.
• Near the breast growth, a tiny cut or incision will be made. They will take the lump or tumor from the breast region, and they might also remove some of the surrounding healthy breast tissue.
• If the lump nodes under your underarm are to be removed, a second surgical incision near your armpit may be made.
• The breast tissue or other tissues that were taken will be sent to a facility for testing.
• A drainage tube might be introduced into the afflicted region.
• Skin closure methods include adhesive bands and sutures.

Treatment Following Breast-Conserving Surgery

Most women who undergo breast-conserving surgery will also require radiation treatment to the breast. Occasionally, during surgery, tiny metallic-looking clips (which will appear on X-rays) may be inserted inside the breast to identify the region where the cancer was removed, making it simpler to direct the radiation.

After surgery, hormone treatment is commonly used by women to help reduce the likelihood of the disease returning. Following the operation, some women might also require medication. If so, hormone therapy and radiation treatment are typically postponed until the chemotherapy is finished.

Risk of Breast-Conserving Surgery

Every surgery carries some danger. The following are a few potential BCS side effects:

• Breast enlargement (temporary)
• A shift in the size and shape of the breast
• Hardness brought on by possible scar tissue at the wound location
• Blood loss or wound infection
• Swelling (lymphedema) of the elbow if lymph nodes were excised

After BCS, a clear fluid called a seroma is frequently found in the incision. Depending on the situation, this can be compressed and emptied into the operating room. Depending on your particular health situation, there might be additional dangers. Before the procedure, be sure to go over any worries you have with your medical staff.

Bottom Line

Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can leave you feeling anxious, frustrated, and even despondent. If you or a loved one is suffering from this disease, you must take advantage of the many tools accessible to you. As breast doctors have also been able to alter their treatment methods thanks to genetic testing, tailored treatments, and improved radiation therapy. Today, many patients can receive more conservative breast cancer treatments and still enjoy the same percentages of mortality and recovery.

You can also find the highest quality breast cancer treatment in India, with the finest hospitals and physicians and the best technology. You can reach out to us or follow us on Medsurge India for any queries or consultations.