In this article, Dr Garvit Chitkara one of the Leading Breast cancer Surgeons in Mumbai talks about “What is the procedure for diagnosing and treating breast cancer?”
Dr Garvit Chitkara has more than 15 years of expertise in his field of study and research. Following his training in breast oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital, he worked as a Consultant Breast Surgeon at the hospital, where he also acted as a mentor to countless students.
Breast cancer Diagnosis
A biopsy under local anaesthesia can diagnose breast cancer. A biopsy is a process in which the doctor needs a sophisticated needle instrument guided by an X-ray to remove tissues from a suspicious location of the body, says Dr Garvit Chitkara, one of the best breast cancer surgeon in Mumbai.
The following tests are required to treat breast cancer:
- Breast-checking: Your doctor will check for lumps and other anomalies in your breasts and lymph nodes.
- Mammogram: Mammograms are breast X-rays. At-risk women get mammograms to identify breast cancer. If a diagnostic mammogram reveals an abnormality, a diagnostic mammogram might be recommended.
- Ultrasound of the breast: Ultrasonography uses high-frequency sound waves to make pictures of body organs. Ultrasound can identify if a breast lump is solid or a fluid-filled cyst.
Depending on your situation, further tests may be performed, notes Dr Garvit Chitkara, a top Breast cancer surgeon in Mumbai.
Treatment
Your doctor will assess your options for treatment of breast cancer based on the breast cancer type you have, the grade and stage of the disease, and the size of cancer cells. Your doctor will take care of your health as well as your personal preferences.
The majority of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer undergo surgery, and many of them receive another treatment following surgery. When necessary, chemotherapy can be administered prior to surgery in specific circumstances.
Breast cancer has numerous treatment options available and you may feel overwhelmed as you try to make complex decisions regarding your cancer therapy. Consider obtaining a second opinion from a breast expert at a breast centre or clinic if you are experiencing breast pain. Consult with other ladies who have been in the same situation opines Dr Garvit Chitkara one of the best Breast cancer Specialists in Mumbai.
Breast cancer surgery is performed in the case of breast cancer
Procedure:
- Getting rid of breast cancer
A lumpectomy removes a tumour and a thin margin of healthy tissue. Lumpectomy is recommended for smaller tumours. Larger tumours may need chemotherapy before surgery can be entirely removed.
- Whole-breast amputation
Mastectomy removes all breast tissue. During a mastectomy, fatty tissue, lobules, ducts, and some skin are removed. Newer surgical treatments can sometimes improve breast look. Radiation-free mastectomy and nipple-sparing mastectomy are getting increasingly popular, says one of Mumbai’s best breast cancer surgeons.
- Lymph node removal
Your surgeon will discuss removing lymph nodes that first get lymph drainage from your tumour to determine if cancer has spread to them.
If cancer is not identified in those lymph nodes, the risk of cancer in additional lymph nodes is low and no more nodes need to be removed.
- Dual mastectomy
Some women with one breast cancer may choose to remove their other (healthy) breast (contralateral preventive mastectomy) if they have a high chance of cancer in the other breast due to genetics or family history.
Most women with one breast cancer won’t get the other. Discuss the benefits and dangers of this operation with your doctor.
Breast cancer surgery complications vary per procedure. Pain, bleeding, infection, and arm swelling are risks of breast cancer surgery (lymphedema).
After surgery, you may select breast reconstruction. Your surgeon should know your desires.
Before breast cancer surgery, consult a plastic surgeon. Reconstruction alternatives include silicone or water implants or your own tissue. These procedures can be done during or after a mastectomy.
