Breast Cancer Surgery

What is Breast Cancer Surgery?

Breast cancer surgery is an integral part of the treatment of breast cancer, which includes surgical removal of cancerous tissues from the breast. According to the extent, site, and type of cancer, varying procedures like lumpectomy, mastectomy, and breast reconstruction are performed by the surgeon. Effective cancer care is usually coupled with chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy.

About Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a cancerous tumor that develops in the cells of the breast. It is the most frequent cancer in females worldwide, but it also occurs in a small number of males. There are various forms of breast cancer, including ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), and triple-negative breast cancer. Early detection improves the outcome very much.

Indications for Breast Cancer Surgery

Breast cancer surgery is recommended for:

• Patients diagnosed with localized breast tumors

• Removal of large tumors or those not responding to therapy

• Prophylactic mastectomy for high-risk individuals (e.g., BRCA1/2 mutations)

• Recurrent breast cancer after previous treatments

• Removing residual cancer following chemotherapy or radiation

Doctors determine the necessity of surgery after clinical assessments, imaging studies, and biopsy results.

Types of Breast Cancer Surgery

Lumpectomy

Also known as breast-conserving surgery, this involves removing only the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue. It is suitable for early-stage cancer.

Mastectomy

This surgery removes the entire breast and is advised for larger tumors or multicentric breast cancer. Variants include:

• Simple mastectomy

• Modified radical mastectomy

• Skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomy

Lymph Node Surgery

To check for cancer spread, surgeons may remove:

• Sentinel lymph nodes (via sentinel node biopsy)

• Axillary lymph nodes (via axillary dissection)

Breast Reconstruction

Often performed post-mastectomy, reconstruction restores breast shape using implants or tissue from another body part.

Medicines Used During Breast Cancer Surgery

While surgery itself doesn’t involve cancer-specific drugs, supportive medications are crucial for anesthesia, pain relief, and infection prevention:

• Anesthetics – Propofol, sevoflurane

• Analgesics – Paracetamol, opioids (morphine)

• Antibiotics – Cefazolin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid

• Antiemetics – Ondansetron, metoclopramide

• Post-surgical medications – Blood thinners to prevent clotting (heparin)

Adjuvant therapies like hormonal agents or chemotherapy drugs may follow surgery.

Effectiveness of Breast Cancer Surgery

Surgery is highly effective in early-stage breast cancer and forms the foundation of curative treatment. Outcomes are further improved when combined with adjuvant therapies. Benefits include:

• Removal of cancerous tissues

• Reduced risk of metastasis

• Better survival rates, especially in Stage I–III

• Improved quality of life with reconstructive options

Studies show that breast-conserving surgery followed by radiation is as effective as mastectomy for many early-stage patients.

Risks and Side Effects

Although breast cancer surgery is generally safe, it carries certain risks and complications:

• Pain, swelling, and numbness

• Infection at the surgical site

• Lymphedema (swelling of the arm)

• Hematoma or seroma formation

• Emotional distress due to body image changes

Most side effects are temporary and manageable with medical intervention.

Recovery and Aftercare

Hospital Stay

• Lumpectomy: 1-day stay or outpatient

• Mastectomy: 2–5 days depending on complexity

Physical Recovery

• Drain removal in 7–10 days

• Stitches removal in 10–14 days

• Normal activities resume in 4–6 weeks

Emotional Support

• Counseling

• Breast prosthesis or reconstructive surgery

• Support groups and survivorship programs

Follow-up Care

• Regular physical exams

• Mammograms or MRIs

• Monitoring for recurrence or side effects

Cost and Availability

In India

Breast cancer surgery is widely available in top hospitals like Tata Memorial (Mumbai), AIIMS (Delhi), Apollo, and Fortis. The cost ranges from ₹1,50,000 to ₹4,50,000 depending on the type of surgery, hospital, and city.

In China

China offers advanced surgical options with shorter waiting times. Major centers in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou provide surgery starting from ¥30,000 (approx. $4,000). Many hospitals are now integrating AI and robotic-assisted surgeries.

Medical Tourism

Countries like India and China attract thousands of international patients for affordable, high-quality breast cancer surgery.

Patient Experiences

Many patients share positive stories about timely intervention and support:

“I traveled from Kenya to India for a mastectomy. The surgery was done within a week, and the doctors were empathetic and skilled.” – Grace N.

“Breast reconstruction in China gave me my confidence back. I received personalized care and am cancer-free for 5 years.” – Li Wen, China

Support networks play a huge role in recovery. Platforms like BreastCancer.org and local NGOs provide vital emotional and social support.

Cost of Breast Cancer Surgery in Different Countries

Costs vary based on hospital, type of surgery, and whether reconstruction is included.

Ongoing Clinical Trials in China

China is rapidly advancing in surgical oncology research. Active clinical trials include:

• NCT05526734: AI-assisted breast surgery for early-stage cancer

• NCT05709321: Evaluating robotic mastectomy outcomes

• NCT05688310: Sentinel node biopsy innovations using dye-tracer combinations

• NCT05893487: Psychological support impact on post-surgical outcomes

• NCT05801294: Comparing mastectomy and lumpectomy in HER2+ patients

Chinese research hospitals like Fudan University and Peking Union Medical College are global leaders in breast cancer trials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is surgery always required for breast cancer?

Not always. In rare cases, early-stage or non-invasive cancers may be managed with observation or radiation alone. However, surgery continues to be the preferred method.

How long is recovery after a mastectomy?

Physical healing takes about 4–6 weeks, but full emotional recovery may take longer, often supported by counseling and peer support.

Can I get breast reconstruction later?

Yes, delayed reconstruction is a common choice and can be performed months or years after mastectomy.

Is breast-conserving surgery effective?

Yes, especially when combined with radiation therapy. It has survival outcomes similar to mastectomy in early-stage cancers.

Are there side effects of removing lymph nodes?

Yes, such as arm swelling (lymphedema), restricted shoulder movement, and increased infection risk.

Will I need chemotherapy after surgery?

It depends on the stage and biological characteristics of the tumor. Your oncologist may recommend it based on recurrence risk.

Can I work during recovery?

It depends on your job and the type of surgery. Desk jobs may resume sooner than physically demanding roles.

Is treatment in India and China reliable?

Absolutely. Both countries have world-class infrastructure, internationally trained doctors, and accreditations from global bodies like JCI.