A breast cancer diagnosis can raise many questions about surgery, treatment options and what happens next. Consulting a surgical oncologist can help you understand the role of surgery in your treatment and which approach may be appropriate for your individual diagnosis.
Dr. Shivang Shukla is a Consultant Surgical Oncologist in Vadodara, with qualifications including MBBS, MS in General Surgery and M.Ch. in Surgical Oncology. His clinical areas include breast cancer surgery, minimally invasive oncologic surgery, gastrointestinal cancers, head and neck cancers, gynecologic oncology, oncoplastic breast surgery and complex cancer reconstruction.
Breast cancer surgery may include breast-conserving surgery, mastectomy and, when required, surgery to evaluate or treat nearby lymph nodes. The appropriate procedure depends on factors such as the type and stage of breast cancer, tumour size and location, imaging, biopsy and pathology findings, lymph node involvement, previous treatment and the patient’s overall health.
Breast Cancer Surgery in Vadodara
Breast cancer surgery is an important part of treatment for many patients with breast cancer. The surgical approach is selected after evaluating the cancer and understanding how surgery fits into the overall treatment plan.
The main surgical approaches include:
- Breast-conserving surgery, also called lumpectomy or partial mastectomy
- Mastectomy, which involves removal of the breast containing the cancer
- Lymph node surgery, when lymph node evaluation or treatment is required
A surgical oncologist considers the cancer’s characteristics, imaging, pathology, breast anatomy, previous treatment and the patient’s individual circumstances before recommending an appropriate approach.
Breast Cancer Surgery Options
Breast-Conserving Surgery
Breast-conserving surgery removes the cancer along with a margin of surrounding tissue while preserving most of the breast. It is also known as lumpectomy or partial mastectomy.
For appropriately selected patients, breast-conserving surgery can be an effective treatment option. Radiation therapy is commonly recommended after this type of surgery to reduce the risk of cancer returning in the treated breast.
Whether breast conservation is appropriate depends on factors such as:
- Tumour size
- Tumour location
- Number of affected areas
- Size and shape of the breast
- Cancer stage and characteristics
- Imaging and biopsy findings
- Ability to receive recommended radiation therapy
- Previous breast surgery or radiation
Breast-conserving surgery is not suitable for every patient, so the decision should be made after a detailed clinical assessment.
Mastectomy
Mastectomy involves removing the entire breast containing the cancer.
It may be recommended when breast-conserving surgery is not appropriate or when other clinical factors make mastectomy a suitable treatment option.
Depending on the patient’s diagnosis and circumstances, breast reconstruction may also be discussed as part of the treatment planning process.
For selected patients with early-stage breast cancer who are candidates for both approaches, breast-conserving surgery followed by radiation and mastectomy can provide comparable long-term survival outcomes. The choice should therefore be based on the individual cancer, treatment requirements and an informed discussion with the treating team.
Lymph Node Surgery
Breast cancer can sometimes spread to lymph nodes located under the arm, known as axillary lymph nodes. Lymph node evaluation may therefore form part of breast cancer surgery.
Depending on the diagnosis, this may include:
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy
- Axillary lymph node dissection
A sentinel lymph node biopsy evaluates the first lymph nodes to which cancer is likely to spread. Not every patient requires the same lymph node procedure.
The appropriate approach depends on the stage and characteristics of the breast cancer and the overall treatment plan.
How Is Breast Cancer Surgery Planned?
Before recommending surgery, the surgical oncology team reviews the patient’s diagnosis and available medical reports.
Depending on the case, assessment may include:
- Clinical breast examination
- Mammography
- Breast ultrasound
- Breast MRI when indicated
- Biopsy and histopathology reports
- ER and PR results
- HER2 status
- Assessment of lymph nodes
- Other investigations when clinically required
The purpose of this assessment is to understand the cancer and determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
Breast cancer treatment may involve more than surgery. Depending on the individual cancer, treatment may also include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone or endocrine therapy, targeted therapy or other systemic treatments.
What Happens During Breast Cancer Surgery?
The exact procedure depends on the type and stage of breast cancer and the surgical approach selected.
During breast-conserving surgery, the surgeon removes the tumour along with a margin of surrounding tissue while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as appropriate.
During a mastectomy, the breast containing the cancer is removed according to the planned surgical procedure.
Depending on the diagnosis, lymph nodes may also be evaluated or removed.
The tissue removed during surgery is sent for pathological examination. The final pathology report provides important information about the tumour, surgical margins and lymph nodes and may help determine whether further treatment or additional surgery is required.
Understanding Surgical Margins
A surgical margin is the edge of the tissue removed during surgery.
After breast-conserving surgery, a pathologist examines the tissue to determine whether cancer cells are present at the margins.
A clear or negative margin means that no cancer cells are identified at the edge of the removed tissue. If cancer cells are found at the margin, additional treatment or another surgical procedure may sometimes be recommended.
This is why careful pre-operative assessment, surgical planning and review of the final pathology report are important parts of breast cancer treatment.
Radiation Therapy After Breast-Conserving Surgery
Radiation therapy is commonly recommended after breast-conserving surgery.
Its purpose is to reduce the risk of cancer returning in the treated breast or nearby areas. The exact radiation treatment depends on factors such as the patient’s age, tumour characteristics, pathology and overall treatment plan.
Radiation therapy is planned and delivered by a radiation oncology team.
The need for radiation and the appropriate treatment schedule should be discussed with the treating oncology team.
Can Additional Treatment Be Needed After Breast Cancer Surgery?
Yes.
Breast cancer treatment is often a combination of different therapies rather than surgery alone.
Depending on the pathology and biological characteristics of the cancer, additional treatment may include:
- Radiation therapy
- Hormone or endocrine therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Other systemic treatments
The need for additional treatment depends on the individual cancer characteristics and the recommendations of the multidisciplinary cancer care team.
Recovery After Breast Cancer Surgery
Recovery varies depending on the type and extent of surgery and whether lymph node surgery is performed.
After breast cancer surgery, some patients may experience:
- Pain or tenderness
- Temporary swelling
- Bruising
- Changes in breast sensation
- A scar at the surgical site
- Changes in breast shape or contour
- Temporary restrictions on physical activity
Some patients may also develop a collection of blood or fluid at the surgical site.
Lymph node procedures can carry additional risks, including swelling of the arm or chest known as lymphedema.
The surgical team will provide individual instructions regarding wound care, medicines, physical activity and follow-up appointments.
Follow-Up After Breast Cancer Surgery
Follow-up is an important part of breast cancer care after surgery.
Depending on the diagnosis and treatment plan, follow-up may involve:
- Review of the final pathology report
- Surgical wound assessment
- Radiation oncology consultation
- Medical oncology consultation
- Follow-up breast imaging
- Monitoring for treatment-related effects
- Ongoing cancer surveillance
The frequency and type of follow-up depend on the patient’s diagnosis and the treatments received.
Why Consult a Surgical Oncologist for Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer surgery requires careful assessment of the tumour, surrounding breast tissue and lymph nodes while considering the patient’s overall treatment plan.
A surgical oncologist specialises in the surgical management of cancer and can help assess whether surgery is appropriate and which surgical approach may be considered.
For patients looking for an oncosurgeon in Vadodara, a consultation can help clarify the role of surgery and how it fits into the broader cancer treatment plan.
Dr. Shivang Shukla is a Consultant Surgical Oncologist in Vadodara with MBBS, MS in General Surgery and M.Ch. in Surgical Oncology. His listed clinical areas include breast cancer surgery, minimally invasive oncologic surgery, gastrointestinal cancers, head and neck cancers, gynecologic oncology, oncoplastic breast surgery and complex cancer reconstruction.
Breast Cancer Surgeon in Vadodara – Dr. Shivang Shukla
Dr. Shivang Shukla provides surgical oncology consultation in Vadodara for patients requiring evaluation and surgical management of breast cancer.
His qualifications include:
- MBBS
- MS in General Surgery
- M.Ch. in Surgical Oncology
His professional profile also lists memberships with organisations including the Association of Surgeons of India, Indian Association of Surgical Oncology, Association of Breast Surgeons of India, Society of Surgical Oncology and European Society of Surgical Oncology.
During consultation, patients can discuss their diagnosis, available medical reports and possible surgical options. The recommended treatment is based on the individual cancer characteristics rather than a standard approach for every patient.
When Should You Consult a Breast Cancer Surgeon?
A consultation with a surgical oncologist may be appropriate if:
- A biopsy has confirmed breast cancer
- A breast lump or abnormal imaging finding requires further evaluation
- You have been advised to undergo breast cancer surgery
- You want to understand your surgical options
- You have been advised to consider a lumpectomy
- You want to know whether breast conservation may be possible
- You have been advised to undergo mastectomy
- You need an opinion regarding lymph node surgery
- You want to discuss your treatment plan with a surgical oncology specialist
- You are seeking a second opinion regarding breast cancer surgery
If you already have medical reports, bringing your mammography, ultrasound, MRI, biopsy and pathology reports to your consultation can help the surgeon review your case more effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is a breast cancer surgeon in Vadodara?
A breast cancer surgeon is a specialist involved in the surgical evaluation and treatment of breast cancer. Dr. Shivang Shukla provides surgical oncology consultation and cancer surgery care in Vadodara. The appropriate surgical treatment depends on the patient’s diagnosis, imaging, pathology and overall clinical condition.
2. What is breast conservation surgery?
Breast conservation surgery, also called breast-conserving surgery or lumpectomy, removes the breast cancer and some surrounding tissue while preserving most of the breast. It is an established treatment option for selected patients with breast cancer and is commonly followed by radiation therapy.
3. Is breast conservation surgery suitable for everyone?
No. Breast conservation surgery is not suitable for every patient. Factors including tumour size and location, the number of affected areas, breast size, cancer type and stage, previous treatment and the ability to receive radiation therapy can affect whether it is appropriate. A surgical oncologist needs to assess the individual diagnosis before recommending this approach.
4. Is radiation required after breast conservation surgery?
Radiation therapy is recommended for many patients after breast-conserving surgery because it helps reduce the risk of the cancer returning in the treated breast. However, the need for radiation can vary according to the patient’s age, tumour characteristics, pathology and overall treatment plan.
5. What is the difference between lumpectomy and mastectomy?
Lumpectomy, or breast-conserving surgery, removes the cancer and a margin of surrounding tissue while preserving most of the breast. Mastectomy removes the entire breast containing the cancer. The appropriate procedure depends on the individual cancer and other clinical factors.
6. How do I choose a breast cancer surgeon in Vadodara?
When choosing a breast cancer surgeon, consider the surgeon’s relevant surgical oncology training and experience, the type of breast cancer surgery they provide, the hospital and multidisciplinary cancer-care facilities available, and whether the consultation gives you an opportunity to understand your diagnosis and treatment options. You should also discuss your individual case, expected treatment and follow-up before making a decision.
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with breast cancer, understanding the available treatment options is an important first step.
Dr. Shivang Shukla provides surgical oncology consultation and cancer surgery care in Vadodara. If you have a confirmed diagnosis or have been advised to consider breast cancer surgery, bring your available reports and discuss your treatment options during consultation.
For selected patients, breast-conserving surgery may provide an option to treat the cancer while preserving most of the breast. Whether this approach is appropriate can only be determined after reviewing the individual diagnosis and treatment requirements.