Battling Breast Cancer with Lumpectomy

Battling Breast Cancer with Lumpectomy

Breast cancer is the most
common cause of cancer among women, impacting 2.1 million women each year, and
is also the cause of the highest number of cancer-related deaths among women.
In India, the cases are steadily increasing steadily as a result of increased
life expectancy, urbanization and changing lifestyles. Although, while breast
cancer rates are higher among women in more developed regions, the cases are
increasing in nearly every region globally each year. Thus, early detection is
crucial for improving outcomes and survival. Early diagnosis and screening are
two early detection strategies for breast cancer. Early diagnosis strategies
focus on providing timely access to cancer treatment and improving access to effective
diagnosis services. Screening consists of testing before any symptoms appear.
Some of the breast cancer screening tools include mammography, clinical breast
exam and breast self-exam.

If the tests confirm breast
cancer, the Oncologist will develop a treatment plan to treat the cancer. The
most common surgery for breast cancer is modified radical mastectomy (MRM),
which completely removes the breast with or without reconstruction. The other
option is breast conservation surgery (BCS), also known as lumpectomy, which
only removes the tumor and leaves the rest of the breast intact. According to a
study published in the Journal of Global Oncology, patients who undergo
mastectomy (MS) may have significantly decreased survival in comparison with
patients opting for breast-conserving surgery (BCS).

BCS involves the removal of the
breast tumor along with a rim of the normal breast tissue or lymph nodes
surrounding it. How much is taken out depends on factors like the size and the
location of the tumor. BCS is a good option for those patients with early-stage
breast cancer. This surgery allows patients to keep most of their breast, but
it is likely that a lot of the patients would need radiation therapy after BCS.
Some women might also go for other treatments like hormone therapy or
chemotherapy. Women who have undergone mastectomy for early-stage cancers are
less likely to need radiation, but they may also be referred to a radiation
oncologist for evaluation depending on their situation and case. A BCS is not
advisable for those who have conditions that do not permit radiotherapy
treatment or if the patients themselves are against radiotherapy.

A lumpectomy removes the tumor
while simultaneously maintaining the normal appearance of the breast, and is
usually performed under general anesthesia. Precise localization of the tumor
is important to successfully conduct the procedure and to minimize the amount
of breast tissue that needs to be taken out. Side effects of the surgery can
include bleeding, infection, pain, temporary swelling, tenderness, formation of
hard scar tissue at the surgical site, change in the shape and appearance of
the breast, or nerve pain in the chest wall, armpit and/or arm.

A lumpectomy is usually
performed in an outpatient surgery center, and doesn’t necessarily require an
overnight stay in the hospital. In most cases, the patients are able to carry
on most of their basic activities after going home and are often able to return
to their regular activities within two weeks. However, some women may need more
assistance at home depending on how extensiveness of the surgery.  It is
also important for patients to ask their doctors to guide them for
post-treatment management and care that suits their requirements and
lifestyles. In addition to this, whether the person has undergone breast cancer
treatment or hasn’t been diagnosed with cancer, it is advisable to get
check-ups done at regular intervals. An early detection will ensure timely
treatment and care and increase the chances of combatting the cancer
successfully.

Dr Sandip Bipte,
Consultant, Breast Oncoplastic Surgery, Apollo Cancer Centre, Navi Mumbai