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How is Breast Cancer Treated? | Breast Cancer Treatment

Dr. Bhushan Bhalgat, a cancer surgeon at Sahyadri Hospitals, Pune, discusses the available surgical options for breast cancer treatment in this informative video. This blog aims to summarise the key points regarding the types of surgeries, their benefits and drawbacks, as well as the role of radiation and plastic surgery in breast cancer treatment.

Dr. Bhushan Bhalgat, a cancer surgeon at Sahyadri Hospitals, Pune, discusses the available surgical options for breast cancer treatment in this informative video. This blog aims to summarise the key points regarding the types of surgeries, their benefits and drawbacks, as well as the role of radiation and plastic surgery in breast cancer treatment.

There are two main types of breast cancer surgeries:

Breast conservation surgery, also known as lumpectomy, involves preserving as much of the breast tissue as possible. This approach is typically chosen when the tumour is small in comparison to the size of the breast.

Mastectomy, or modified radical mastectomy (MRM), refers to the removal of the entire breast. This option is preferred when the tumour is large relative to the size of the breast.

The decision regarding which surgery to opt for depends on various factors:

• If the tumour is small compared to the breast size, breast conservation surgery is preferred.
• If the tumour is large and the breast is small, mastectomy is the better option.
• In some cases, chemotherapy may be administered prior to surgery to reduce the tumour size, allowing for breast conservation surgery afterwards.

During breast conservation surgery, approximately 1 centimetre of tissue surrounding the tumour is also removed. In contrast, a mastectomy involves the complete removal of the breast.

During breast conservation surgery, approximately 1 centimetre of tissue surrounding the tumour is also removed. In contrast, a mastectomy involves the complete removal of the breast.

Regardless of the surgical option chosen, it is mandatory to remove any small lymph nodes in the armpit (axilla) for both types of surgery. The incision methods differ:

• Mastectomy incisions are larger and do not require separate incisions for lymph node removal.
• In breast conservation surgery, separate small incisions are required to access and remove lymph nodes.

Both breast conservation surgery and mastectomy carry equivalent risks regarding the potential recurrence of cancer. After breast conservation surgery, radiation therapy is mandatory to manage any residual breast tissue. The necessity of radiation after mastectomy depends on the histopathology report following surgery.

The requirement for plastic surgery is patient-dependent. In breast conservation surgery, the defect created is small. However, some patients may wish to enhance the cosmetic appearance through oncoplastic surgery.

For mastectomy patients, reconstructive options include:

• Utilising muscles and skin from the back or abdomen to form a new breast.
• Using implants to improve the breast contour and symmetry with the opposite breast.

Dr. Bhalgat emphasises that understanding the types of breast cancer surgeries and their implications is crucial for informed decision-making. Patients are encouraged to consult their healthcare providers for personalised advice and further clarification on any doubts they may have regarding their treatment options.