A breast cancer diagnosis can be an overwhelming experience for a woman and her family. Questions about treatment, surgery, recovery, and long-term care are common. Timely evaluation and guidance from a specialist can help patients understand their diagnosis and the treatment options available to them.
Dr. Aditya Reelkar is a Surgical Oncologist in Mumbai providing surgical care for patients with breast cancer. His approach focuses on evaluating each patient's condition and developing a treatment plan based on the type, stage, and individual characteristics of the cancer.
Breast cancer develops when abnormal cells in the breast grow and multiply uncontrollably. It can occur in women of different age groups and may present with symptoms such as a breast lump, changes in breast shape or size, skin changes, nipple discharge, or changes around the nipple.
Not every breast change is cancerous. However, any new or unusual breast change should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional to determine the cause.
Surgery is an important treatment option for many patients with breast cancer. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, surgery may involve removing the tumour while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as appropriate, or removing the entire breast when medically necessary.
Assessment of the tumour, lymph nodes, imaging findings, biopsy results, and other clinical factors helps determine the most appropriate surgical approach for each patient.
Breast cancer treatment is not the same for every woman. Treatment planning may depend on the cancer's stage, tumour characteristics, hormone receptor status, overall health, and other individual factors.
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include surgery along with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or other treatments. These options may be combined as part of a personalised treatment plan.
For selected patients, breast-conserving surgery may be considered to remove the cancer while preserving much of the breast. In other situations, mastectomy may be recommended based on the size, location, type, or extent of the cancer.
The appropriate procedure is determined after detailed evaluation and discussion between the patient and the treating medical team.
Breast cancer care often involves several specialists. A surgical oncologist may work closely with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and other healthcare professionals.
Coordinated care allows different aspects of the cancer to be considered when developing the overall treatment plan.
Breast cancer treatment can involve physical and emotional challenges. Clear communication about the diagnosis, treatment choices, recovery, and follow-up can help women feel more prepared throughout their treatment journey.
Regular follow-up after treatment is also important for monitoring recovery and planning ongoing cancer care when required.
A breast cancer surgeon or surgical oncologist may be consulted when a breast lump or other suspicious breast change requires further evaluation, or when breast cancer has been diagnosed and surgery is being considered.
Timely specialist evaluation can help identify the nature of the condition and guide the next steps in diagnosis and treatment.
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