BREAST CANCER SURGERY



Breast disease is a major concern for many women. The risk of cancer is real and millions of women suffer because they are diagnosed late with cancer. A lump in the breast is a good reason for any woman to consult a doctor. Dr Rengan is a leading breast surgeon in Chennai, India and has performed hundreds of breast surgeries including major resections for breast cancer.

Which are the common breast lesions?

Hyperplasia:It is an increased growth of breast tissue often increasing the risk for breast cancer.

Cysts: Cysts are fluid-filled sacs which present as small lumps and may cause pain if they are large enough. It is seen more often in postmenopausal women.

Fibroadenomas:They are solid benign tumours which are not operated upon until they cause pain or increase in size.

Intraductal papillomas:These are growths within the lactiferous (milk) ducts which usually manifests as a discharge from the nipple.

Sclerosing adenosis: These are enlarged lobules which may cause swelling in the breast.

Malignant conditions

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): Here the cells lining the duct become malignant. It is generally a non-invasive condition.

Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS): It is the cancer of the milk glands. Like DCIS it is also non-invasive.

Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): Invasive ductal carcinoma is the most common type of breast cancer. It also starts in the milk ducts, but unlike the previous two, it metastasizes into the surrounding tissues.

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC):It develops in breast lobules. This cancer has relatively poorer prognosis since the diagnosis is made after the tumour has metastasized or spread to surrounding tissues and organs.

Paget’s disease of the nipples:It begins in the ducts but gradually affects the skin and areola

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC): Its a rare but aggressive form of cancer. Cells block lymph nodes near the breast and the consequent appearance of the breast gives it an orange peel-like appearance.

What are the risk factors for breast cancer?

  • Age- > 50
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Women with a family history of breast cancer
  • Women who attained early menarche (before age 12)
  • Women who are under hormonal therapy
  • Women who have never got pregnant or those who never carried a pregnancy to its full term.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

  • A lump or thickening in the breast or armpit
  • Pain in breast
  • Colour change around the breast
  • Pitted skin over the breast
  • Nipple discharge
  • Peeling or flaking of skin on the breast

What are the surgical procedures available?

Benign lesions will need simple excision procedures. They dont require prolonged admission. Malignant lesions will require surgeries that remove a whole or a part of the breast. Breast conservation procedures are also available which are indicated in some early breast cancers. Dissection of the axilla will also be done to remove the cancerous lymph nodes in the axilla.

What happens after breast cancer surgery?

Depending on the type of breast cancer you may require chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Your doctor will guide you on what you need and how to prepare yourself for the treatment after surgery.

Dr Rengan is the Best Doctor for Breast Cancer in Chennai.Visit Dr Rengan’s Surgical Centre if you feel you have a lump in your breast

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