Breast cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells in the breast. The cancer can spread from the breast to lymph nodes and chest tissue. The breast cancers that don’t spread beyond the breast are called “in situ”, while invasive cancers spread outside the breast. Earlier cancer would scare people, but with advanced scientific innovations that can cure cancer, a new hope is generated among people. This guide will empower you with the correct information in choosing the best cancer surgeon in Hyderabad.
Key Takeaways
Understanding Cancer: Understand the risk factors of cancer to know the chances of developing it.
Expertise of Surgeons: Investigate the experiences of the best breast cancer surgeons in Hyderabad to receive holistic treatment.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women after lung cancer. Hence, knowing breast cancer symptoms helps people to be alert and informed. The symptoms of breast cancer can vary from a lump in the breast, a change in breast size, shape or curve, and a change in shape or position of the nipple to nipple discharge.
Risk Factors of Breast Cancer
Although the cause of breast cancer is unknown, certain risk factors can increase the chance of developing breast cancer. The risk factors of breast cancer are as follows:
Race: Black women are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer when compared to white women before menopause.
Dense Breasts: Women with more connective tissue in their breasts than fatty tissue are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. For a breast cancer surgeon in Hyderabad, tumours in dense breasts can be challenging to see on a mammogram.
Personal History of Breast Cancer: If a person has a benign breast condition, it is more likely to turn malignant in future. People who have had their breast cancer cured are also expected to have cancer recurrence.
Family History of Breast Cancer: If a first-degree family relative (mother, sister or daughter) had breast cancer, the person is two times more likely to develop it too. If two or more first-degree relatives had breast cancer, the person is three times more likely to get breast cancer. This holds true if they had cancer before menopause or if both the breasts got affected with cancer. According to a breast cancer surgeon in Hyderabad, the risk of breast cancer increases if the father or brother of the person has breast cancer.
Personal History of Breast Conditions: Lobular Carcinoma in situ and atypical hyperplasia of the breast can put a woman at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Gene Mutations: Mutations in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 can lead to breast cancer. Mutations in the PTEN gene, ATM gene, TP53 gene, CHEK2 gene, CDH1 gene, STK11 gene and PALB2 gene can also cause breast cancer.
Menstrual History: The onset of periods before the age of 12 or periods that don’t end after 55 can put the woman at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Alcohol Consumption: Women who consume three alcoholic drinks per week are 15% more likely to develop breast cancer when compared to women who don’t drink.
Never been pregnant or pregnant after 30: Having been pregnant once or twice reduces the risk of breast cancer, while never being pregnant increases its risk. Having a first child after 30 increases the chances of breast cancer.
Obesity: Obese people carry a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy focused on the chest area increases the likelihood of developing breast cancer. Treatment for cancers such as Hodgkin’s Lymphoma before the age of 40 can increase the risk of breast cancer.
Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Taking hormonal medicines to control the symptoms of menopause can increase the risk of breast cancer.
Diethylstilbestrol (DES): If a woman has taken DES between 1940 and 1971 to prevent miscarriage, it can put her at risk of breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Treatment
Breast cancer treatment can be carried out by breast cancer surgeon in Hyderabad through surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and immunotherapy.
Breast Cancer Surgery
Breast cancer can be treated by breast cancer surgeon in Hyderabad with the help of a wide range of surgeries. Effective breast cancer surgery depends on the cancer stage, lab results and size and location of the tumour.
Breast Conserving Surgery: Also known as segmental mastectomy, the surgeon removes the affected part of the breasts and some nearby tissue.
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- Lumpectomy: Only the cancerous tumour and a small part of tissue around the cancer are removed, keeping most of the breast skin and tissue intact.
- Quadrantectomy: One-quarter of the breast tissue is removed along with chest muscles within 2-3 centimeter radius of the tumor.
- Partial Mastectomy: Cancer tissue and some normal tissue is removed by breast cancer surgeon in Hyderabad, but not the breast itself. Lymph nodes under the arm can be removed for biopsy. Part of the chest wall lining is removed if the cancer is near it
Surgery to Remove Lymph Nodes: The breast cancer surgeon in Hyderabad may take lymph node samples from the underarm to detect if cancer has spread to them. Two kinds of surgeries are performed to remove lymph nodes.
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- Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: One or a few lymph nodes where cancer is likely to spread are removed.
- Axillary Lymph Node Biopsy: Lesser than 20 lymph nodes are removed by breast cancer surgeon in Hyderabad to test for cancer.
Mastectomy: The breast cancer surgeon in Hyderabad removes the entire breast with nearby tissue. Types of mastectomies are as follows:
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- Total Mastectomy: The entire breast is removed by breast cancer surgeon in Hyderabad, leaving the lymph nodes underarms unless they are connected to breast tissue.
- Modified Radical Mastectomy: The surgeon removes the entire breast along with lymph nodes in the underarms.
- Radical Mastectomy: The breast cancer surgeon in Hyderabad removes the entire breast and lymph nodes in the underarm and up to the collarbone, as well as chest wall muscles under the breast.
- Partial Mastectomy: The surgeon removes cancerous breast tissue and some tissue nearby, similar to that of a lumpectomy.
- Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: The breast cancer surgeon in Hyderabad removes all the breast tissue, leaving the nipple alone.
- Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy: If cancer in one breast increases the chances of cancer in the second breast, breast cancer surgeon in Hyderabad may suggest removal of both the breasts.
Finding the best cancer surgeon is possible if you understand the risk factors and surgery options for breast cancer. It is essential to make an informed decision to cure breast cancer altogether. Consult the best cancer surgeon in Hyderabad to treat it holistically.
FAQs
1. How much experience should a doctor have in treating breast cancer?
Answer: Opt for a cancer surgeon who has experience in treating the patient’s specific type of breast cancer and who is better equipped with the latest treatment options.
2. Should a second opinion be considered?
Answer: A second opinion may be in line with the original diagnosis and treatment, provide more details about the type and stage of breast cancer, give way to other treatment options or lead to a different course of action. A second opinion will help cancer patients feel confident about their treatment decisions.
3. How long will the hospital stay be after the surgery?
Answer: A person with a lumpectomy can leave the hospital the same day as that of the surgery, while someone with a mastectomy should stay at the hospital overnight.
4. After breast cancer surgery, is radiation or chemotherapy required?
Answer: The need for radiation and chemotherapy depends on the residual cancer cells in the body.