Breast Cancer Treatment — Comprehensive Breast Care
Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Shaivalini Kamarapu
MBBS · MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) · Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine · 20+ years of clinical experience
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Breast Cancer Treatment — Comprehensive Breast Care
AMVI Hospital offers comprehensive breast cancer treatment services, including minimally invasive procedures and surgical techniques designed for minimal postoperative discomfort and issues such as lymphedema. The holistic evaluation and treatment plan includes breast cancer risk assessment and screening, breast imaging, breast cancer surgery (lumpectomy, mastectomy), breast reconstruction, and support services for women living with breast cancer.
Breast cancer is a form of cancer that develops due to the uncontrolled growth of the cells of the breast. It is one of the most prominent forms of cancer found in women, but can also occur in men.
Breast cancer usually begins from:
The Luminal Cells
The milk-producing glands.
The Ducts
Passages that drain milk from the lobules to the nipple.
The Stromal Tissues
Includes the fatty and fibrous connective tissues of the breast.
Breast cancer signs & symptoms
A lump in the breast
Nipple discharge
Nipple retraction
Dimpling or ulceration of the skin
A lump in the armpit
Breast cancer risk factors
Early onset of periods
Late menopause
Null parity or late childbirth
Lack of breastfeeding
Obesity
Hormone replacement therapy
Previous history of radiation
Previous history of breast surgery
How is breast cancer diagnosed?
Cancer doctors conduct various tests to diagnose breast cancer and ascertain whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Breast cancer is often diagnosed using the following tests:
Breast Ultrasound
Diagnostic Mammography
3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Image-guided Breast Core Biopsy
Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
PET / CT
Sophisticated Interventional Radiology Procedures (Wire Localisation)
Stereotactic Biopsy
Sentinel Node Evaluation (SLNB) using Gamma Probe
Staging Tests
Breast cancer — types and subtypes
Breast cancer is not one disease — there are different types and subtypes referred to as breast cancer. This is why the treatment received may be quite different from other treatments women may have.
Non-invasive Breast Cancers
Ductal carcinoma in situ
Lobular carcinoma in situ
Invasive Breast Cancers
Invasive ductal carcinoma
Invasive lobular carcinoma
Paget's disease of the nipple
Inflammatory breast cancer
Phyllodes tumours of the breast
Locally advanced breast cancer
Metastatic breast cancer
What are the possible treatments for breast cancer?
Surgical process
Mastectomy
A skin-sparing surgery that removes the whole breast along with the tumour.
Lumpectomy / Breast Conservation Surgery
Removal of the lump around the breast, with 1 cm of axillary lymph clearance.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Reconstructive surgery to correct deformities and restore normal function after cancer-related treatment, achieving the best possible repair outcome. Done alongside or after mastectomy/lumpectomy.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy waves to kill cancer cells. Advanced radiation therapy techniques used for breast cancer treatment include:
- Single Dose Intra-operative Radiation Therapy (IORT)
- 3D Conformal Partial Breast Irradiation (CPBI)
Chemotherapy
Involves the use of powerful medicines to kill cancer cells.
Hormone Therapy
Involves the use of hormonal drugs to prevent hormones from fuelling the growth of breast cancer cells.
Targeted Therapy
Targets cancer-specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contribute to cancer growth and survival.
Immunotherapy
Involves the use of medicines that prompt the body's immune system or natural defences to destroy cancer.
A patient might receive chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapy alongside surgery or radiation. This combined approach helps kill any remaining cancer cells during other forms of treatment.
Factors affecting breast cancer treatment
The type of hospital you choose
The fee structure of your care team (surgeons, surgical and radiation oncologists, anaesthetist, diagnostic radiologist, physiotherapist, dietician)
Medicines
Regular evaluation and diagnostic processes
The number of chemotherapy cycles required
Whether radiotherapy is needed