Breast Cancer Surgery: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Types, Cost, Procedure & Recovery Time
Breast cancer causes the maximum number of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. The advancements in medical technology and increased awareness have led to an early diagnosis of breast cancer and better treatment outcomes.
Breast cancer is affecting 1 in 39 women worldwide. More than 3.8 million women in the world are affected by breast cancer. It is now the second leading cause of death after lung cancer among women.
Anatomy of breast cancer:
The breast is made up of milk-producing lobules and ducts that are bordered by fatty and connective tissue.
A lump or a tumor develops in the breast when some of the breast cells grow out of control. Irregular cells can spread to other parts of the body via the bloodstream and lymph arteries (metastasized).
Breast cancer may lead to changes in the breast such as changes in breast size and shape of nipples.
Types of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is classified into numerous types, including:
- Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS): This is a type of cancer where abnormal cells appear inside the milk ducts but they still haven’t expanded beyond.
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): This is the most widespread kind of breast cancer. The abnormal cells originate in the milk ducts and spread to various other areas of the breast.
- Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): This type of cancer grows from the milk-producing lobules to other tissues of the breast.
- Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC): This type of cancer is uncommon but dangerous. It may not cause a lump to grow, but it makes the breast area appear red and swollen.
- Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): This type of cancer is challenging to treat as it lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 protein receptors.
- HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: This type of cancer has a surplus of a protein called HER2, which may trigger the cancer to grow faster than normal.
- Paget’s disease of the Nipple: This is a type of cancer that impacts the nipple’s skin and may be linked to a separate kind of breast cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
For effective treatment, identifying the early symptoms and warning signs of breast cancer is important.
These warning signs and symptoms might also be linked to harmless conditions, therefore their occurrence is not always a sign of breast cancer. Any unusual changes, however, should not be ignored and require medical care for proper evaluation and treatment.
Several signs and symptoms of breast cancer include:
- An enlargement or presence of a lump in the breast or underarm
- Breast enlargement or change in its size
- Change in nipples – inversion (nipple turning inward), redness, or unusual discharge other than breast milk
- Redness, rash, or other unusual skin changes on the breast or nipple
- Sudden pulling inward of nipples
- Severe pain or discomfort in the breasts
- Unexplained loss of appetite or weight loss.
- Any recent or unforeseen changes observed while self-examining the breast.
Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
The process of determining whether someone has breast cancer involves several methods and tests.
The essential elements of the procedure for diagnosing breast cancer are as follows:
- Physical Examination: The doctor will perform a physical examination of the breast to check for any lumps or changes in size or shape.
- Mammogram: A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast to see if there’s something strange that may indicate breast cancer.
- Ultrasound: It uses sound waves to create pictures of the breasts. It helps in detecting solid lumps (tumors) and fluid-filled cysts.
- Biopsy: If a doubtful lump or irregularity is detected during a mammogram or ultrasound, a biopsy is performed. A biopsy is conducted to confirm the existence of cancer in the breast by extracting tissue samples for laboratory analysis. There are three types of breast biopsies:
- FNAC
- Open biopsy
- Core biopsy
- True cut biopsy
- Staging and grading of breast cancer: Once breast cancer has been recognized, additional tests, such as CT scans, MRIs, bone scans, PET scans, ICD markers, and Hormone receptor status are done to determine the stage of cancer.
Breast Cancer Treatment Options in India
Breast cancer treatment in India is diverse and meets global norms. The major methods of treatment available are:
- Surgery: The breast cancer surgery cost in India depends on many factors, making breast cancer treatment accessible to many patients. There are different types of surgeries performed in India such as:
- Lumpectomy: In a lumpectomy, the tumor and nearby healthy breast tissue is removed, safeguarding most of the part of the breast while eliminating cancer. Lumpectomy surgery costs in India may range around $ 2000 to $3000, depending upon the medical facility and other factors.
- Mastectomy: In a mastectomy, the complete breast is removed. When the tumor becomes large or when the patient wants to have the entire breast removed for treatment, it is surgically removed. The breast cancer removal surgery cost in India for one patient starts from $3000.
- Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: Several lymph nodes in the underarm are removed during this operation. These lymph nodes are studied to see whether or not cancer has begun to grow beyond the breast.
- Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: In this surgery, more lymph nodes are removed to check for cancer spread.
- Breast Reconstruction: Some people might prefer to get breast reconstruction after undergoing a mastectomy. The method helps in the restoration of the breast’s shape and appearance.
Cost of breast cancer surgery in India
Depending upon the type of breast cancer surgery, the cost of breast cancer surgery in India may vary between 3000 USD to 8000 USD (breast reconstruction surgery).
- Radiation Therapy: This therapy targets and kills cancer cells using high-energy X-rays. It decreases the chances of cancer returning to the cured area. There are two types of radiation therapy given to the breast cancer patient:
- External beam radiation therapy:
External beam radiation therapy is given through a machine from outside the body. Usually, EBRT is given for 21-35 days (5 days a week with 2 days gap every week). The different type of breast cancer EBRT includes:
- VMAT
- IMRT
- IGRT
- Proton therapy
- Brachytherapy: It is not commonly used for breast cancer patients. Unlike EBRT brachytherapy does not require radiation beams to be given to breast issues by the machines from outside the body. Instead radioactive material in the form of wire, pallet, or capsule is placed in the tumor bed.
Cost of Radiation Therapy for breast cancer treatment in India
Depending upon type and number of sessions the cost of radiation therapy may vary from 3000 USD to 6000 USD.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves strong drugs to kill or slow the spread of cancer cells. Most of the time combination of chemo drugs are used to minimise the side effects and reduce the chances of recurrence.
There are two ways chemotherapy is given to breast cancer patients:
- Before Surgery/ Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy
- After Surgery/Adjuvant chemotherapy
Adjuvant chemotherapy is usually given after the complete healing of surgical wounds (4-6 weeks).
Cost of chemotherapy for breast cancer in India
- Cost of inserting Chemo-port: $1000-$1200
- Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles. The cost of chemotherapy for breast cancer depends on the chemotherapy drugs used. The cost of one cycle of chemotherapy may vary from $400-$1200
- Hormone Therapy: Depending upon the hormone receptor (ER+, PR+), it reduces the production of hormones that promote breast cancer growth.
- Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapies are medications that directly target cancer cells with defined features. HER 2-positive breast cancer patients are given Herceptin (trastuzumab) along with other chemotherapeutic drugs.
Risks and Complications in Breast Cancer Treatment
Breast cancer treatment is essential in fighting cancer, but it comes with certain risks and complications, such as:
- Surgery risks: Lumpectomy or mastectomy may lead to infections, bleeding, and anesthesia-related issues.
- Lymphedema: Removal of lymph nodes can end up resulting in arm or chest swelling,
- Radiation effects: Skin irritation, fatigue, and breast appearance changes.
- Chemotherapy effects: Hair loss, nausea, fatigue, and infection susceptibility.
- Hormone therapy effects: Hot flashes, mood swings, and bone changes.
- Targeted & immunotherapy effects: Rashes, diarrhea, and immune system issues.
- Menopause symptoms: In younger women, certain therapies may result in periods of hot flashes and mood swings.
- Heart risks: Certain treatments can have long-term effects on heart health.
- Fertility concerns: Some treatments may affect fertility, and preserving ovarian reserves may be significant.
Recovery after Breast Cancer Treatment
- The body requires time to repair after treatment, and feeling exhausted or uncomfortable is common, but it can heal with rest and care.
- Regular check-ups with doctors are necessary for analyzing progress and attaining the greatest possible results.
- Eating healthily, being active, and avoiding unsafe habits are all important for recovery.
- Exercise regularly
Follow-up after successful breast cancer treatment in India
- After the completion of breast cancer treatment, the Doctor may advise regular self-breast examination to feel any new lump or tumor in either of the breast.
- Follow-up with CT-thorax region and chest, PET-CT scan initially after 6 months then once a year or up to 2 years.
Top Breast Cancer Surgeons in India
Finding the right doctor for Breast Cancer Treatment in India can be tough, whether you’re from another country or India itself. But don’t worry, Al Afiya Medi is here to help!
Our healthcare experts will assist you in finding the best Breast Cancer Treatment doctor in India. We have all the details about experienced doctors, like their experience, fees, contact numbers, and hospitals in Delhi, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Noida, Chennai, Mumbai, and more. You can easily book an appointment online with any top doctor. Let us be your guide on the journey to better health!
- Best breast cancer surgeons in India
- Best Indian medical oncologist (Chemotherapy) for breast cancer treatment in India
- Best Indian radiation oncologists for breast cancer treatment in India
Best Breast Cancer Hospitals in India
If you or someone you know needs treatment for Breast Cancer in India, Al Afiya Medi Tour is here to help!
Our team of experienced healthcare experts will guide you in finding the best hospital for breast cancer treatment in Delhi, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Noida, Chennai, Mumbai, and other big cities. We have a list of hospitals with their addresses, phone numbers, cities, and details of top doctors. You can easily book an appointment online with any hospital you like. Let’s start your journey toward better health together!
1 Fortis Memorial Research Institute Gurgaon
2 Dharamshila Narayana Super Specialty Hospital Delhi
3 Max Super Specialty Hospital Delhi
4 Medanta – The Medicity Gurgaon
5 Indraprastha Apollo Hospital Delhi
6 BLK Super Specialty Hospital Delhi
7 Columbia Asia Yeshwantpur Bangalore
8 Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Mumbai
9 Wockhardt Hospitals Mumbai
10 Gleneagles Global Health City Gurgaon
Book An Appointment for Breast Cancer Surgery in India
Cost of Breast Cancer Surgery in India
India is a top choice for medical tourism because it offers affordable treatment to patients worldwide. If you’re considering Breast Cancer Treatment in India, it’s important to know about the treatment cost. The cost of Breast Cancer Treatment surgery varies depending on the hospital, city, and doctor’s fee. If you want to know the exact cost of the operation, you can contact us anytime 24×7. Our healthcare experts will assist you.
Breast Cancer Surgery Success Rate in India
Breast Cancer Treatment in India has a very high success rate, which means many people get better and overcome breast cancer. The success rate depends on different things like the hospital, the doctor, and the patient. If you want to know how well Breast Cancer Treatment works in India, you can talk to our healthcare experts online. They will be happy to help you understand how successful the treatment can be in fighting breast cancer. Remember, getting the right treatment and support can make a big difference in beating breast cancer and staying healthy.
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FAQs (FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions))
What is breast cancer?
Breast Cancer that starts in a person’s breast is called breast cancer. Cancer can begin in either breast or both and develops when cells start to multiply uncontrollably. Breast cancer generally affects only women, though men can also develop breast cancer. Never disregard changes in appearance, discharge from your breast, or breast pain. Regular self-examinations, mammography, and clinical breast exam are keys in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer.
What are the risk factors for breast cancer?
The risk factors for breast cancer depend on a combination of factor.
Research has found women older than 50 years are at higher risk. Factors shown to increase the risk of breast cancer are –
- Women have a far higher than risk of developing breast cancer than men.
- As you become older, the risk of breast cancer increases.
- If the breast biopsy shows lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or atypical hyperplasia.
- If you had breast cancer in one breast, the risk of recurrence is higher.
- If were one or more family members that were diagnosed with breast cancer. You are at higher risk if 1 or more women in your family are diagnosed with breast cancer, especially if they are younger than 45 years. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are inherited genes that raise the chances of breast cancer.
- If you had chest radiation treatment as a child or young adult.
- Obesity increases the chances of cancer.
- The risk of breast cancer rises if you get your menstrual cycle before age 12.
- Menopause later in life increases the likelihood of cancer.
- Women who had their first child after 30 years are at higher risk.
- Women who have never been pregnant are at a higher risk, compared to women who had one or more pregnancies.
- Women who use estrogen and progesterone-containing hormone treatment drugs to treat menopausal symptoms and signs are at a higher risk.
What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
People can experience different breast cancer symptoms. Some people show no symptoms or warning indications. The following are signs and symptoms of breast cancer:
- New lump under the breast or armpits.
- Inflammation or thickening in the breast area.
- Irritation or dimpling around the breast region.
- Skin that is red or flaky near the nipple area.
- Nipple pain or pulling in of nipples.
- Blood and other discharge from the breast, other than breast milk.
- Pain in the breast region.
- Shape and size changing.
What is the average cost of breast cancer surgery in India?
The average cost of breast cancer treatment in India is Rs. 7,00,000/-. The cost of treatment depends on factors like city, type of hospital, patient age, stage of breast cancer, and treatment of breast cancer.
What are the types of breast cancer surgeries available in India?
The onco-surgeon will recommend the following types of breast cancer surgeries depending on the type and stage of cancer –
- Lumpectomy is a surgery that removes a tumor and surrounding affected tissues.
- Mastectomy is a surgery where the surgeon removes the entire breast. Double mastectomy surgery is eliminates both breasts.
- Breast conservation surgery focuses on removing the cancerous cells while conserving the breast as much as possible. Some healthy cells and lymph nodes are removed during the surgery.
- Sentinel node biopsy is a procedure that removes a few lymph nodes that the tumor drains into, is removed, and checks for malignancy.
- Axillary Lymph Node Dissection – If the lymph nodes removed during the sentinel node biopsy show cancer, the doctor will remove more nodes to check for spread.
- Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy – Even though one breast has cancer, the healthier breast is also removed during the procedure to lower the likelihood of cancer returning.
- Breast reconstruction surgery – Many women opt for this surgery to reconstruct their breasts. There are two types of reconstruction surgeries – Implant reconstruction and flap reconstruction.
- Oncoplastic surgery is performed either at the time of the initial surgery or after treatment, most women develop breast deformity after lumpectomy or breast conservation surgery. Oncoplastic surgery is done to correct any deformity.
What is the success rate of breast cancer surgery in India?
The success rate of breast cancer surgery in India is 66%. The low success rate is because of late diagnosis, no screening events, diverse medical infrastructure in some parts of the country, and poor breast cancer awareness in India.
How long does it take to recover from breast cancer surgery in India?
It takes the patient six to eight weeks to heal after breast cancer surgery. But, if you have surgery under your arm, it can take several months for your arm, breast, or chest to feel normal again, or the operated area might never feel the same.
What factors affect the cost of breast cancer surgery in India?
The factors affecting the cost of breast cancer surgery in India are –
- Fees at the time of admission
- Oncologist fees
- Patient’s age
- Insurance coverage
- Type and stage of cancer
- Preexisting medical conditions.
- Post-procedural complications if any,
- Type of hospital
- The room you have chosen
- Tests required for diagnosis and spread of cancer – this may include blood tests, ECG, mammogram, and others.
- Cost of drugs
- Follow-up consultation
- Daycare or cost of hospital stay.
Are there any low-cost options for breast cancer surgery in India?
You can ask your hospital for any financial aid programs that may be offered to assist with treatment costs.
Does the cost of breast cancer surgery vary depending on the stage of cancer?
Yes, the cost of breast cancer surgery will depend on the stage, type of cancer, and the treatment recommended by the doctor. The cost of treatment in India is lower than the cost of treatment in first-world countries.
Which is the best breast cancer hospital in India?
Medanta – the Medicity hospital in Gurgaon is considered to be the best cancer hospital in India. There is a dedicated team of breast cancer specialists who have years of experience in different types of cancer. The hospital has a high rate of success in treating different types of cancer.
What are the top 10 breast cancer hospitals in India?
The top ten breast cancer hospitals in India are –
- Fortis Hospital, Gurgaon
- Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Gurgaon
- Max Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi
- Medanta – The Medicity Hospital, Gurgaon
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
- Manipal Hospital, Bangalore
- BLK Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
- All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi
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