With breast conservation surgery retain the natural shape of your breast during breast cancer surgery
Are you worried that you will lose a major bulk of your breast tissue to cancer during the surgery?
Cancer is something that not just affects you physically it affects you emotionally too. But when you lose a part of your body to cancer it can be emotionally overwhelming. Especially a part of your body that is often emotionally associated with femininity like the breast.
But did you know that if cancer has affected only a small part of your breast you can get rid of just that small lump without losing your entire breast?
Yes! You read it right. Now you can get rid of just the cancerous part of your breast and not the whole breast with breast conservation surgery while restoring the natural structure of the breast.
Unlike complete breast removal, now you can get rid of the early stage of cancer without losing your feminine part as Hannah did.
Hannah, a 38-year-old lawyer’s life turned upside down after she was diagnosed with cancer. The diagnosis of cancer left Hannah exhausted mentally. Soon after the diagnosis of cancer Hannah and her husband rushed to the hospital to understand the surgery procedure to get rid of cancer.
The family listened to their doctor’s plan to remove the breast but the family was not happy with their doctor’s treatment approach. Disheartened by the doctor’s approach to treating cancer, the family started looking for treatment options for managing breast cancer.
While searching online for the best treatment for breast cancer, Usman, Hannah’s husband came across the MedicoExpert website and dropped a query.
Once the MedicoExpert patient care team received Mr Usman’s query, the team contacted him and arranged a video consultation with one of MedicoExperts’s, empanelled doctors. During the consultation, the doctor answered all the questions that Usman and Hannah had about the procedures.
After the consultation, Hannah was confident about undergoing breast conservation therapy followed by advanced radiation therapy with MedicExperts’s empanelled doctors.
Once the family arrived in India, MedicoExpert’s team ensured hassle-free hospitalisation for Hannah.
After the hospitalisation, MedicoExperts’doctor advised some pre-procedure tests. Once the pre-procedure tests showed favourable results the doctor performed breast conservation surgery for Hannah and removed the cancerous lump from her breast while ensuring minimal damage to the neighbouring healthy tissues.
After the surgery doctors advised radiation therapy for Hannah to ensure complete removal of cancer from her breast and neighbouring tissues.
Hannah was relieved to be cancer free without losing her natural breast to cancer. Like Hannah you too can be cancer free without losing your natural breast with breast conservation surgery.
But before considering breast conservation let us understand what breast conservation surgery is and its limitations,
What is breast conservation surgery?
Breast conservation surgery (BCS) is a surgical approach to removing cancerous cells while ensuring minimal damage to neighbouring healthy tissues.
Breast conservation surgery is also known as Lumpectomy, partial mastectomy, quadrantectomy, or segmental mastectomy.
Typically this surgery is opted for women who have started the treatment for breast cancer at an early stage.
What are the different types of breast conservation surgery?
Typically, wide local excision is performed under the effect of local anaesthesia. During this procedure, your surgeon will create an incision to remove the cancerous tissues of the breast. Once the cancerous tissues are removed your doctor will seal the incision with stitches.
The doctor strategically places the stitches close to the skin so that the skin feels tight. Once the cut is healed the skin stretches and you get a breast structure identical to your natural breast appearance despite the removal of cancerous tissues.
Usually, quadrantectomy is performed under general anaesthesia. During a quadrantectomy procedure, your doctor removes almost one-fourth of your breast tissues to remove cancerous cells from the breast.
Once the cancerous cells are removed your doctor reconstructs the remaining breast tissue in such a way that there are minimal changes in the appearance of the breast after the procedure.
Generally, lumpectomy is performed under general anaesthesia. During a lumpectomy your surgeon removes a part of your breast tissue that has cancerous cells, sometimes your doctor may also remove lymph nodes around the breast.
However, lumpectomy is not advised for women who had previously undergone this procedure
Skin sparing mastectomy is usually performed under general anaesthesia. During skin-sparing mastectomy, your doctor removes the nipple and areola and through this small opening,
the doctor removes the cancerous cells. While performing this procedure the doctor tries to preserve the breast skin as much as possible.
Why do women prefer to undergo breast conservation therapy?
Primarily women undergo breast conservation therapy to conserve the natural shape of their breast which was earlier lost because of surgery. However, with the latest advancement in diagnostic techniques and awareness among women, women can diagnose breast cancer at an early stage.
When the cancer is detected at an early stage women can get the cancerous lump or section of their breast removed thereby, preserving the natural breast to a greater extent.
Win over cancer without losing a supposed part of your femininity with breast conservation surgery.
With breast conservation surgery, lead a cancer-free life without compromising on your appearance.
What should you know before deciding for breast conservation surgery?
Before undergoing breast conservation surgery women must understand that they need to have realistic expectations from the procedure. Also, women must understand that the amount of breast tissues removed from their breast depends on the size, location of cancer, and several other factors.
Although breast conservation surgery allows a holistic treatment approach to remove cancerous cells from the breast, however, sometimes your doctor may advise radiation therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or some other treatment to remove the cancer cells completely from the body.
Studies suggest that breast conservation surgery along with radiation therapy has better health outcomes than mastectomy.
Although the treatment helps in conserving your breast after surgery to remove cancer from the breast, not all women are suitable to undergo this treatment.
Who is the ideal candidate for breast conservation surgery?
Breast conservation surgery has emerged as a saviour for women with breast cancer who are scared of losing their breasts to cancer. But not all women are suitable to undergo breast conservation therapy. Breast conservation therapy is suitable for women who:
- Does not have any inhibition to undergoing radiation therapy after breast conservation surgery.
- Have not undergone radiation therapy or breast conservation therapy earlier
- Have realistic expectations from the procedure.
- Are not pregnant
- Are considering breast conservation therapy at the early stage of cancer
- Do not have any autoimmune disorder.
However, based on your medical history and your overall health your doctor will determine your eligibility.
What to expect after breast conservation surgery?
After breast conservation surgery your doctor may advise you to have a biopsy to ensure if the cancer has been removed completely or if you need radiation therapy to get rid of cancer from your breast.
Soon after the breast conservation surgery, a few women complain of mild pain and tenderness in their breasts. But this pain usually subsides within a few days.
However, if you feel that the pain is difficult for you to manage then please consult your doctor.
How does your breast look before and after breast conservation surgery?
The appearance of your breast after breast conservation surgery mainly depends on the amount of breast tissues removed during the surgery. Doctors generally concentrate on removing cancerous tissues from the breast while ensuring minimal damage to the natural appearance of your breast.
How to choose the best country for breast conservation surgery?
Before considering a country for breast conservation surgery you must ensure that the country you have chosen offers world-class healthcare facilities at affordable prices. Also, ensure that the country you have chosen has frequent connecting flights for better connectivity from your country.
Also, you must ensure that the country you have chosen has good security for people of other nations.
How to choose the best hospital for breast conservation surgery?
After choosing the best country for breast conservation surgery the next important step is to choose a hospital. While choosing a hospital you must ensure that the hospital is equipped with the latest healthcare equipment for better outcomes.
Also, you must ensure that the hospital has well trained staff for better post-procedure outcomes.
How to choose the best doctor for breast conservation surgery?
While choosing a doctor for your breast conservation surgery you must check the experience and expertise of the doctor in successfully performing breast conservation surgery.
By choosing a well-trained doctor you increase your chance of getting better health outcomes rom th procedure.
How much does breast conservation surgery cost in India?
Typically the cost of undergoing Breast conservation surgery in India usually ranges between 2000 to 3000 USD (159739 – 239608 INR). However, this price may vary depending upon various choices you make like the chosen:
- Hospital
- City
- Doctor
Apart from the choices, you make sometimes the cost of the treatment may vary because of some pre and post-procedure tests, complications or if some other treatment is advised apart from breast conservation surgery to manage the growth of cancer.
What is the success rate of breast conservation surgery in India?
Breast conservation surgery when combined with radiation therapy has a very high success rate. The American Cancer Society has claimed that the chances of relapse of breast cancer are reduced significantly when breast conservation surgery is performed along with radiation therapy.
The American cancer society also claimed that Breast conservation surgery when performed with radiation therapy is found to be more effective in managing cancer than mastectomy surgery too.
Frequently Asked Questions and patient concerns:
How do I decide between breast-conserving surgery and breast reconstruction?
Choosing between breast conservation surgery and breast reconstruction mainly depends on the amount of cells removed during the surgery or the removal of the whole breast.
If only a small amount of breast tissues are removed then doctors suggest breast conservation surgery and when the whole breast is removed then the doctor may advise breast reconstruction for you.
What are the indications for breast conservation surgery?
Breast conservation surgery is mainly suggested when:
- Breast cancer is detected at an early stage
- The woman detected with cancer wishes to retain her natural breast
- The woman has no inhibition to undergoing radiation therapy after the surgery if advised
How long does it take to undergo breast conservation surgery?
Typically, it takes around two hours to undergo breast conservation surgery. However, sometimes based on the extent and location of the tumour it may take a bit longer to perform the surgery.
Is breast conservation therapy as effective as a mastectomy?
Breast conservation is more effective than mastectomy in controlling breast cancer when it is coupled with radiotherapy after the surgery.
What is the difference between lumpectomy and mastectomy?
| Lumpectomy | Mastectomy |
| When coupled with radiation therapy lumpectomy is efficient is removing cancer | Works well in removing cancer |
| Only the cancerous part of the breast tissue is removed. | The whole affected breast is removed |
| Requires minimal hospitalisation after the procedure. | You need to stay for a few days in the hospital after this procedure |
| The surgery is less extensive than mastectomy | Mastectomy is a major surgery |
| Radiation therapy is generally performed after lumpectomy. | Generally women who underwent mastectomy are not advised to undergo radiation therapy after the procedure. |
Best breast cancer treatment hospital in India
The top hospitals in India are equipped with cutting-edge technology and the latest innovation to provide the best cancer care. Here is a list of the best cancer hospitals in India which provide the best cancer treatment and surgery:
MedicoExperts is a Global virtual hospital which is established to offer quality healthcare services at affordable pricing without compromising the success rates of the treatment.
MedicoExperts is having a network of highly experienced super specialist doctors and well equipped hospitals across the globe and offering second opinion through online video consultation and surgical interventions through its empanelled super specialist doctors at its network hospitals in 17 countries from 3 continents.
By the virtue of its approach and model, MedicoExperts is successfully achieve to deliver
- Latest and most advanced treatments with success rates of international benchmarks.
- Multiple cost options depending upon the hospital facilities, with the same doctor.
- Treatment option in multiple cities/state/countries.
- Trust and peace of mind.
Most suitable for patients who are looking for:-
- Planned Surgeries and treatment from most experienced doctors and at multiple cost options as per hospital facilities with best possible outcomes.
- Second Opinion from expert doctors.
- Complex cases involving multi specialities
- International patients looking for treatment from Indian doctors
Marie travelled from Ghana for a minimally invasive hip replacement surgery in India and was able to resume her daily activities pain-free.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Marie and I am 56 years old. I was prescribed medicine when I started to experience hip pain several years ago, had MRI performed, but felt no relief or adequate diagnosis of my hip disease. I couldn’t bend, or enjoy any of my previous activities. Moving my hip even a little would cause me immense pain. Eventually my doctors asked me to get an x-ray done, and the results showed that my left leg was shorter than my right and this could be corrected after a hip replacement surgery. I spoke to my local doctor and started checking for options to get this treatment.
How did you know about MedicoExperts?
While scrolling through Facebook, I came across an advertisement about minimally invasive hip replacement surgery, and quickly filled up the enquiry form. Within 24hrs, I got in touch with their patient care expert and began discussing my condition. The orthopaedic surgeon in India reviewed my reports and said that I was a good candidate for minimally invasive surgery. And with that I began my plan to travel to India to receive my treatment.
How was your experience with MedicoExperts and the Indian Surgeon?
My experience was very good. MedicoExperts team kept in touch with me throughout my journey and was very kind and helpful. My surgeon too was excellent and I was discharged from the hospital very soon. I was able to resume work 2 weeks after my surgery and also have been able to move better. My life is better and renewed now.
Douglas from Ethiopia was diagnosed with arthritis and received robot assisted hip replacement surgery in India.
Tell us about yourself
I am Douglas from Ethiopia and after years of physical activities, I recently began experiencing pain in simple movements of my hip. After getting tests done, I was diagnosed with advanced arthritis on my hips. I felt all the symptoms of arthritis – joint stiffness, pain, swelling, tenderness, and even had difficulty in walking. My local doctors suggested total hip replacement surgery
How did you know about MedicoExperts?
I was looking for treatment options in Kenya, when I happened to see and advert about an advanced technique of hip replacement surgery by MedicoExperts. I was curious and got in touch with them. I shared my reports with and we started to prepare for my travel to India.
How was your experience with MedicoExperts and the Indian Surgeon?
MedicoExperts’ team is very prompt and helpful. They answered all my questions and also helped me choose the best surgeon and hospital based on my preference and budget. I have no doubt that I made a good choice coming to India. Thank you MedicoExperts, I am well and without any pain now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDZh1NuxRg4
My mother is 70 years old and had difficulty in walking, but today she is okay, thanks to MedicoExperts team and the doctor who treated my mother. First, I had my doubts about getting treated here, but my doubts were put to rest and I am glad I found MedicoExperts, my mother is able to walk again.
I found MedicoExperts on Social Media – Facebook and they helped me to get the very good treatment done in Nigeria by the best Indian orthopaedic surgeon. Initially, I was scared and did not believe it was possible to get such good treatment in Ibadan, Nigeria where I live, but then I saw the name of the doctor and called MedicoExperts and I was told to visit the MedicoExperts Surgical Centre and get treatment in Nigeria. This has saved us the trouble and cost of travelling and accommodation. I gave this a try and my mother can walk now, and I really impressed with the outcome. I will fully recommend this to anyone out there.
Author’s Bio
Dr. Yashashree Joshi is an MD from the Philippines with a focus on advanced oncological treatments. She has good knowledge about the latest oncological therapies that are an embodiment of the newest techniques and innovations in cancer care. Dr. Joshi has done extensive medical training in the Philippines, which added to her knowledge and experience in treating complicated cases of cancer. She is known for her kind attitude and creates an individual treatment plan that aids in curing the patient based on different disease states and requirements.
