Please tell me how Mastectomy works. Are breasts conserved in thi

Q: Are there any options for financial assistance for breast cancer treatment in India?

There are a number of organizations in India that provide financial assistance for individuals who are unable to afford the cost of breast cancer treatment. These organizations may offer grants, loans, or other forms of financial assistance to help cover the cost of treatment. Some hospitals and clinics may also have financial assistance programs available for patients who are in need.

Q: Can breast cancer treatment be done at a lower cost in India?

In some cases, it may be possible to receive breast cancer treatment at a lower cost in India by seeking treatment at a government-run hospital or clinic, or by opting for a less expensive treatment option. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cost of treatment should not be the only factor to consider when deciding on a treatment plan. It's important to work with a medical team to determine the best course of treatment for your individual situation.

Q: Is breast cancer treatment covered by insurance in India?

Many health insurance policies in India cover the cost of breast cancer treatment, although the specific coverage can vary depending on the policy. It's a good idea to check with your insurance provider to see what is covered and what is not.

Q: What are the various treatment options available for breast cancer in India?

The various treatments given by a breast cancer doctor are: 1. Surgery The type of breast cancer surgery totally depends on the cancer stage and the type of cancer: Lumpectomy: Removal of the tumour along with a small, cancer-free margin of healthy tissue around the tumour. Mastectomy: Surgical removal of the entire breast. A few surgeries are conducted to check if any of the lymph nodes near the breast contain cancer: Sentinel lymph node biopsy: This type of surgery removes 1-3 lymph nodes from under the arm to see if the nodes are free of cancer Axillary lymph node dissection: If cancer is detected in the lymph nodes, this type of surgery is done to remove many lymph nodes from under the arm. This is done to prevent the spread of cancer. Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy: This type of breast cancer surgery involves the removal of both the breast to minimise the risk of developing breast cancer in the future. 2. Radiation Therapy Powerful radiation beams are used to destroy cancer cells. 3. Hormonal Therapy If the cancer is hormone-receptor-positive, i.e., has both estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors, then hormonal therapy is used by a breast cancer doctor to block the production of these hormones. 4. Chemotherapy Use of medications to destroy cancerous cells or shrink their size before surgery.

Q: How often should you perform a breast self-examination (BSE)?

1. If you're still on your period, the optimum time to perform BSE is: When your breasts aren't as painful or swollen. It is usually 5 to 10 days after your cycle starts. 2. If you don't have your period anymore, set a reminder for yourself. Check your breasts on the first of every month. 3. A breast self-exam is also recommended for all males at high risk for breast cancer. Every month, perform a breast self-examination. Other symptoms that indicate you should see a doctor about breast cancer include: Thickening, a lump, or a tight knot Clotting, heat, dryness, as well as spots on the skin Size or shape of breast changes Itchiness, scaly sore or rash on the nipple, dimpling or puckering of the skin Pulling of your nipple or any other body parts Nipple discharge that appears from nowhere

Q: What is the procedure for getting a breast cancer screening?

The different procedures of getting a breast cancer screening are: Clinical breast exam: Here, breasts are physically examined by a doctor who uses his hand to feel lumps or any other changes in the breasts. Mammography: An X-ray of the breasts which is considered the best technique to detect cancer at an early stage. It can even show the lumps or other changes before a patient or doctor can feel them. There are three types of mammography: Film Mammography: The technique results in an X-ray picture of the breast Digital Mammography: The technique results in a computer based picture of the breast Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT): The technique results in pictures of breasts from many different angles to finally make 3-D pictures of the breasts. Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This technique uses radio waves to take pictures of the breasts. It is mostly used for women who are at high risk for breast cancer; either due to family history of the disease or other underlying conditions. Breast Ultrasound: This is used for pregnant women who cannot be exposed to X-rays used in mammography or who are unable to undergo an MRI examination. This technique is also for those with dense breast tissue (less fat and lots of ducts, glands and tissues), which makes it harder to detect cancers with traditional mammography.

Q: How does a breast cancer doctor detect or diagnose breast cancer in India?

Breast cancer is diagnosed using a variety of tests and procedures, which include the following: Breast exam : Your doctor will examine both of your breasts as well as the lymph nodes in your armpit to see whether everything is normal or if anything is wrong. Mammography - An Xray of the breast is called a mammography. They are frequently used to detect breast cancer. If something abnormal is discovered during a screening mammography, your doctor will recommend additional treatment options. Ultrasound- It is a technique that uses sound waves to create pictures of structures deep within the body. A new breast lump can be diagnosed as a solid mass or a fluid-filled cyst using ultrasound. Taking a sample of breast cells for testing (biopsy)- A biopsy is the only means to confirm a breast cancer diagnosis. During a biopsy, your doctor extracts a core of tissue from the questionable location using a specialized needle instrument guided by an X-ray or another imaging test. A tiny metal marker is frequently left at the spot within your breast so that subsequent imaging tests may easily identify the region. Biopsy samples are submitted to a facility for testing, and specialists evaluate if the cells are malignant. It's also examined to see what kind of cells are involved in the breast cancer, how advanced it is, and whether the cancer cells contain hormone receptors or other receptors that might be harmful. Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI scanner that creates images of the inside of your breast using a strong magnetic fields and radio waves . A dye injection is given before to a breast MRI. An MRI does not employ radiation to produce pictures, unlike other forms of imaging procedures.

Q: How long does it take to recover from breast cancer treatment ?

Various factors determine the recovery time of breast cancer. The treatment depends on the early stage or advanced stage of breast cancer. Your doctor will only be able to tell you an assessment based on how far your cancer has gone through the breast tissue and its stage. However, the process through it goes as follows: Surgical - It will take a few days or a week to recover from a less complicated surgery. But if the individual had a major operation, it would take around a few weeks based on your operation. Medical - Medical treatments include drugs and pills or medicines given in your veins, such as chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy. After surgery, the doctor will recommend you the treatment based on your stage and condition. The recovery time after this procedure varies for every patient. Yet it takes three months at least to get recovered from one session. Radiation - Depending on the patient's condition doctor may recommend radiation therapy. Skin reactions from radiation therapy are dominant for 1-2 weeks after your therapy. To recover it would take a few weeks to 2 months, depending patient's condition.

Please tell me how Mastectomy works. Are breasts conserved in this treatment or are they removed in this procedure?

2 Answers

Dr. Akash Dhuru.

Oncologist

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Answered on 19th June '24

Mastectomy involves removal of breast. For cancer however if its limited to a small portion of breast, we can conserve the breast while removing a part of breast followed by reconstruction. Kindly visit a surgical oncologist in Mumbai for further details.

2 people found this helpful

Dr. Babita Goel

General Physician

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Answered on 23rd May '24

Mastectomy is removal of breast. But further details are needed which are not mentioned by you, to answer your concern. Still consult general surgeons who will examine and evaluate you and then guide you regarding the procedure. Hope our answer helps you.

75 people found this helpful

Questions & Answers on "Breast Cancer" (54)

can breast cancer develop in 6 months

Female | 25

Yes, it's possible for breast cancer to show up quite quickly, in as little as 6 months. Being alert to any changes and consulting your doctor if something seems unusual is critical for early detection and treatment.

Answered on 23rd May '24

Dr. Donald Babu

I am 32 years old. I have a 2-year-old daughter. My mother has breast cancer and is undergoing treatment. I noticed a mass in my breast 3 weeks ago. There are no signs of cancer. It is fixed, does not move. And I do not feel pain the size of a lentil. I was last evaluated in the Bırads 3 category 7 years ago. I have not been examined since. Are fibrocysts or fibroadenomas mobile cysts or masses?

Dişi | 32

Fibrocysts and fibroadenomas are typically non-cancerous. Usually, fibrocysts are bigger and can shift, like a grape, and they are associated with hormonal changes. Usually solid, can be movable, are fibroadenomas which are common in younger women. The outward signs may manifest as a lump in the breast. For sure, it is advisable to go to an oncologist.

Answered on 30th Aug '24

Dr. Donald Babu

You I have had pain in only one breast since last December. The pain use to come and go. But it’s be straight pain for 4 months now. Sometimes I feel shooting pains and it goes into my armpit and down my arm. My nipple has a skin tag on it. My break has a discoloured spot about two inaches away from nipple. Not on my nipple but really close to it I have little little lumps where thick puss can come out. My nipple itself is not inverted but there is an indent right beside the nipple. Two months ago for about 3 days my gland on my neck right above my collar bone was swollen on the same side as my breast with problems

Female | 25

Pain, shooting pains, skin changes, lumps with pus, and swollen glands are all signs that need attention. All of these could be the result of different things, one of them being infections, the other one being breast cancer, but that is less common. It's vital to have an oncologist look at you and, if necessary, run tests for a definitive diagnosis and treatment.

Answered on 3rd Sept '24

Dr. Ganesh Nagarajan

I want to know about Triple-negative breast cancer as our doctor hinted that my aunt has signs of this specific type of breast cancer.

Female | 57

The term triple-negative breast cancer means that the cancer cells do not have estrogen or progesterone receptors and does not make too much of the protein called HER2. ( therefore the cells test "negative" on all 3 tests.)

Triple-negative breast cancer has less treatment options available than other types of invasive breast cancer. The reason being the cancer cells do not have enough estrogen or progesterone receptors or HER2 protein for hormone therapy or targeted drugs to work.

Treatment options are chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery mainly. But consulting clinician on time and starting the treatment is important. Regular follow up with doctor with lifestyle modifications and counselling will help. Consult an oncologist.

Hope our answer helps you.

Answered on 23rd May '24

Dr. Babita Goel

I had 2 lumps ( fiberdenoma ) on my left breast and it's easily movable ...and I found the lump on November 2023 now also it has not gone ...now I was feeling a lump on my right breast also ...and it also easily movable...not having any health issues anything like that

Female | 22

Fibroadenomas are the predominant cause of these lumps. They are caused by hormonal changes and they are not cancer. They can be discovered on their own due to fluctuating hormones when a woman's period cycles. They are painless, moveable, and without any problem. To be perfectly sure, one should go to the hospital and get it examined thoroughly. Even if it is frequent the hospital may demand additional tests. Keep in mind not to freak out but you'll require a professional check for any changes in your breasts that are unaccountable by logic.

Answered on 23rd May '24

Dr. Sridhar Susheela

1. Tumor Characteristics: Type: The tumor is identified as an invasive ductal carcinoma, NST (No Special Type), located in the upper outer quadrant of the breast. Grade: It’s classified as Grade 3, which is high grade, based on a Nottingham histologic score of 9. Size: The tumor measures 7.0 x 5.0 x 4.6 cm. 2. Additional Findings: DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ): Present with a "comedo type" pattern, which is aggressive, with high nuclear grade and central necrosis. Lymphovascular Invasion: Detected, suggesting cancer cells may be spreading to nearby lymph or blood vessels. Microcalcifications: Absent. 3. Margins: One of the specimen's margins shows invasive carcinoma, meaning the cancer is close to or touching the edge of the removed tissue. Other margins are 1-2 mm away from the invasive carcinoma. Impression: This is a high-grade invasive ductal carcinoma, meaning it is an aggressive form of breast cancer.

Female | 35

According to the diagnosis you have received from the doctor, you have a high-grade invasive ductal carcinoma in the breast. This type of cancer is really a fast-growing type of cancer. It concors the breast and causes like a lump in the breast or skin changes. The origins of the disease are not always acknowledged, but the factors like the genes and hormone levels might be contributing to the risk. For this, an oncologist may accept a scheme with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy to remove or eradicate the cancer cells.

Answered on 11th Nov '24

Dr. Donald Babu

Hello sir, my wife told me yesterday that there is a lump around her breast. What further steps should I take to determine if it is cancerous or not? As of now, the lump around her breast is painless. Do I need to visit an oncologist?

Female | 41

As per my understanding your wife is having a painless lump in her breast which is the cause of concern. You consult a surgeon first and get your wife thoroughly examined and evaluated .Only after that will it be clear what her diagnosis is and the required treatment will be advised. Consult Breast Surgery doctors in Mumbai, or in any other city.

Answered on 23rd May '24

Dr. Babita Goel

I suffering breast cancer I want to take best option for me, if I take decision for surgery, what is. estimated cost

Female | 45

Breast cancer may be surgically cured by a mastectomy or a breast conservation surgery. Please consult once to discuss what will be best for you.

Answered on 23rd May '24

Dr. Shubham Jain

Patient is having pain in left brest also feel something is moving inside

Female | 31

If you are experiencing pain in your left breast and feel something moving inside, it is important to consult a doctor. These symptoms may be due to various reasons, and it is best to visit a breast specialist or a general surgeon for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can guide you with the appropriate care and tests needed.

Answered on 19th July '24

Dr. Babita Goel

I am having extreme pain in my left nipple

Female | 22

It feels painful in the nipple due to a range of causes such as injury, infection, or sometimes even hormonal changes. Be sure to wear loose clothes so as not to make things worse and stop them from rubbing against anything that might irritate them further. You could also try applying a warm compress on it; this might help soothe the pain temporarily but if it’s still there after a while then please go see an oncologist about this as soon as possible.

Answered on 10th June '24

Dr. Sridhar Susheela

Mere breast se halka Pani or white jaisa a rha or usko touch karne me vo bhot chipchapa sa hai or bhot jyada hi a rha hai kya reason hai eska

Female | 16

Light discharge or whitish fluid from the breast could be due to various reasons, including hormonal changes, medication side effects, or in some cases, benign conditions like intraductal papilloma. It's advisable to consult a breast specialist or a gynecologist for a thorough evaluation and appropriate management based on your specific symptoms and medical history.

Answered on 5th July '24

Dr. Ganesh Nagarajan

Hi, I have stage 2 Breast cancer. Which is the best hospital for treatment? Please suggest a name of doctor also.

Female | 34

You can visit your nearest Surgica Oncologist. If you are in Mumbai you can connect with me. Dr Akash Dhuru (Surgical Oncologist)

Answered on 19th June '24

Dr. Akash Dhuru.

So I'm a teen and one of my breasts have been hurting recently so I felt it and I feel like a lump or just something hard behind it but on my other breast it just feels how they usually for me usually. And one is browner than the other and the circle inside the circle is inverted and the other one is t and I'm scared it's something serious

Female | 13

One should consult with a doctor if they observe some abnormal breast changes. A swelling or hardness in the breast area could be an indicator of various situations that include breast cancer. Consult a gynecologist or a breast specialist for an exam.

Answered on 23rd May '24

Dr. Sridhar Susheela

Breast cancer stage 2 B doctors from my country told me that the only option is surgery takeoff the breast then after Wil start chemo .my worry is losing my breast and the after side effect.Now my question is that can surgery be done only where there's a lump? Which hospitals in India are good for those surgeries if they do it.

breast conserving surgery can be done based on the clinical picture. Fortis hospital banerghatta , Bangalore is a good hospital for the same

Answered on 23rd May '24

Dr. deepak ramraj

I FEEL I HAVE LUMP IN MY LEFT BREAST .. WHAT MEDICAL PROCEDURE I HAVE TO FOLLOW FOR CHECKUP PLEASE HELP

Female | 26

Surely, you are concerned about the bump in your left breast. An oncologist should check it out. To identify the nature of the lump, the doctor might perform a physical examination, an ultrasound, or a mammogram. The lumps in the breast can be due to many different causes, from harmless cysts to more serious problems. Remember, early detection is the main thing, so don't hesitate to go for a check-up.

Answered on 30th Aug '24

Dr. Donald Babu

I'm 19 and I'm a female I have a tumor in my left breast, I don't know when it appears exactly but it's been two years since I noticed it, earlier I had a kind of acne in my breast but I'm not sure if it is the same one, it was big, brown and hurts when I press it but it disappeared by the time, now the tumor get bigger than before and became so painful even without touching it, I didn't notice any discharges or change in the skin yet, in addition to that I'm not able to go and check it in my current location so can you please help me I can't take it anymore.

Female | 19

The painful breast mass you're experiencing could be due to various conditions, such as fibroadenomas or breast cysts, but it’s important to take note of it. However, if the lump has been present for two years and is now growing and becoming more painful, it's crucial to rule out more serious conditions like breast cancer. Since I can’t examine you in person, I strongly recommend seeking medical attention immediately, especially given these changes. The earlier treatment begins, the better the potential outcome.

Answered on 23rd Oct '24

Dr. Donald Babu

Hi , My mother has been detected with lumps in her breast. Doctor has suggested operation. Can this condition be treated by ayurvedic medicine?

Female | 47

Breast lumps can be an issue among women breast cancer is a common cause of the lumps that appear. Many times it is about having an operation to remove these lumps. Attempting to cure this ailment with Ayurvedic medicine may not be effective. The physician's directions must be your highest priority for the right cure.

Answered on 28th Aug '24

Dr. Ganesh Nagarajan

I'm 23 yr old. I've been experiencing pain and burning inflammation sensations under my left breast right below the nipple for 2 days now. there's no symption visible apart from swelling but i can feel some hard cyst like structure below the nipple. Please help!

Female | 23

You might have mastitis, a condition causing breast pain, swelling, and inflammation. That hard cyst-like lump could be an abscess - a pocket of infection. Mastitis happens when milk ducts get blocked, bacteria infect the area, or engorgement occurs. Applying warm compresses and gently massaging the spot might relieve discomfort. However, if symptoms don't improve or worsen, it's wise to see a dermatologist for proper evaluation and potential treatment.

Answered on 23rd May '24

Dr. Ishmeet Kaur

Well defined hypoechoic lesions measuring 12x6mm at 3,0 clock position of left breast and measuring 5x6mm at 9,0 clock position of right breast. No obvious lymphadenopathy seen. No obvious architectural distortion seen. No ductal dilatation is seen.

Female | 21

You have well-defined hypoechoic lesions in the breast at certain positions. These areas are small and appear differently on ultrasound. Different factors can influence their appearance, for example, cysts or fibroadenomas. As there are no other issues to worry about, it's indeed good to keep track of them through regular ultrasounds. Have a detailed discussion with your oncologist about the results.

Answered on 18th Sept '24

Dr. Donald Babu

I am a 25 years old male, So doctor i laying down i last week and as i was laying down i was rubbing my chest and felt something so let me describe properly, I have an inverted nipple my left one and it has been since birth ( just want to add that before describing what i felt) So i felt this tiny rubbry ball like thing in that left inverted nipple, it's very small, The crazy thing is that I'm 1000% sure it has been there for years i just never paid attention to it, It went to a pharmacy to ask about it and the asked, if i was feeling any pain or noticed anything unusual around that area or armpit, i said no and the said I'm perfectly alright, And yes feel no pain, no swelling, no colour change, nothing, Also i have small breast cause I'm a bit chubby, please what's your analysis

Male | 25

What you are sensing in your left inverted nipple is possibly a harmless cyst or a benign lump. Because you've had it for years without any changes or symptoms like pain, swelling, or color changes, it seems to be nothing serious. Yet, it always is a good idea to have it checked out by an oncologist to make sure you are okay.

Answered on 4th Oct '24

Dr. Ganesh Nagarajan

Please tell me how Mastectomy works. Are breasts conserved in this treatment or are they removed in this procedure?

Mastectomy involves removal of breast. For cancer however if its limited to a small portion of breast, we can conserve the breast while removing a part of breast followed by reconstruction. Kindly visit a surgical oncologist in Mumbai for further details.

Mastectomy is removal of breast. But further details are needed which are not mentioned by you, to answer your concern. Still consult general surgeons who will examine and evaluate you and then guide you regarding the procedure. Hope our answer helps you.

Questions & Answers on "Breast Cancer" (54)

can breast cancer develop in 6 months

I want to know about Triple-negative breast cancer as our doctor hinted that my aunt has signs of this specific type of breast cancer.

I had 2 lumps ( fiberdenoma ) on my left breast and it's easily movable ...and I found the lump on November 2023 now also it has not gone ...now I was feeling a lump on my right breast also ...and it also easily movable...not having any health issues anything like that

Hello sir, my wife told me yesterday that there is a lump around her breast. What further steps should I take to determine if it is cancerous or not? As of now, the lump around her breast is painless. Do I need to visit an oncologist?

I suffering breast cancer I want to take best option for me, if I take decision for surgery, what is. estimated cost

Patient is having pain in left brest also feel something is moving inside

I am having extreme pain in my left nipple

Mere breast se halka Pani or white jaisa a rha or usko touch karne me vo bhot chipchapa sa hai or bhot jyada hi a rha hai kya reason hai eska

Hi, I have stage 2 Breast cancer. Which is the best hospital for treatment? Please suggest a name of doctor also.

I FEEL I HAVE LUMP IN MY LEFT BREAST .. WHAT MEDICAL PROCEDURE I HAVE TO FOLLOW FOR CHECKUP PLEASE HELP

Hi , My mother has been detected with lumps in her breast. Doctor has suggested operation. Can this condition be treated by ayurvedic medicine?

I'm 23 yr old. I've been experiencing pain and burning inflammation sensations under my left breast right below the nipple for 2 days now. there's no symption visible apart from swelling but i can feel some hard cyst like structure below the nipple. Please help!

Well defined hypoechoic lesions measuring 12x6mm at 3,0 clock position of left breast and measuring 5x6mm at 9,0 clock position of right breast. No obvious lymphadenopathy seen. No obvious architectural distortion seen. No ductal dilatation is seen.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any options for financial assistance for breast cancer treatment in India?

Can breast cancer treatment be done at a lower cost in India?

Is breast cancer treatment covered by insurance in India?

What are the various treatment options available for breast cancer in India?

How often should you perform a breast self-examination (BSE)?

What is the procedure for getting a breast cancer screening?

How does a breast cancer doctor detect or diagnose breast cancer in India?

How long does it take to recover from breast cancer treatment ?

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