ONCOLOGY DEPARTMENT

BREAST CANCER TREATMENT SERVICES

Over the last ten years Breast Cancer has been rising steadily and now it is the most common
cancer in women in India. Age adjusted rate is as high as 25.8 per 100,000 women and mortality
12.7 per 100,000 women. With the advent of effective screening modalities it is now possible to
detect breast cancer at an earlier stage. Five-year survival rate of breast cancer detected at the
earliest stage is more than 90%.

The Breast Cancer treatment team at SRC & Super specialty offers leading edge, personalized
care, from effective screening through diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.

We consider every woman and man diagnosed with breast cancer to be a unique individual who
deserves a carefully thought-out, personalized treatment plan offering advanced care. With this
objective each case is being discussed in detail in tumor board for better outcomes. To provide
the best treatment options to meet each patient’s goals, our specialists work as a united team,
carefully evaluating patient and the specifics of breast cancer.

Our specialists are experts in breast cancer care and research, providing patients the latest and
the most effective treatments with the greatest chance of cure. Our hospital provides latest
cutting edge diagnostic technologies and targeted treatments, minimal invasive surgery,
molecular pathology and more-effective chemotherapies, radiotherapy and prevention.

DIAGNOSTIC FACILITIES FOR CANCER TREATMENT

DIAGNOSTIC FACILITIES listed below are all available under one roof. They range from:

 Digital Mammography
 Digital Tomosynthesis
 MR Mammography
 Scintimammography
 PET MRI.
INTERVENTIONAL advancements are used for establishing diagnosis wherever indicated. They
are as of:

 Stereotactic wire localization and guided biopsy

 MRI Guided biopsy
 Ultrasound Guided wire localization
 Sentinel node biopsy and
 Vacuum assisted biopsy – Scar less surgery of breast lump.
Our center excels in Mastectomy as well as lesser Invasive treatment options as of:

 Breast Conservative Surgery along with various forms of Breast Oncoplasty

 Volume Replacement and Displacements including Implants and free flaps.
Most effective chemotherapy and radiotherapy including Accelerated partial breast irradiation are
also available.

FACTS ABOUT BREAST CANCER

Breast Cancer is a malignant tumor specific to the human breast. It is the result of an atypical
growth of cells in the breast that can metastasize to other body parts, causing a systematic
breakdown of body processes and fatality. Lately, we have seen a surge in breast cancer cases
in India and worldwide. As per National Cancer Registry Program 25% to 32% of all female
cancers in the leading Indian urban centers are related to breast cancer. Though females are the
prime victims of breast cancer, males can also develop the malignancy. The origin of breast
cancer is shrouded in mystery. However, there are certain risk factors specific to the condition,
such as ageing, heredity, genes, radiation exposure, obesity, delayed pregnancy and alcohol.

BREAST CANCER SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The prominent symptoms and signs of breast cancer may include, but not limited to:

 Formation of a thick piece of mass (lump) in the infected breast or just below the armpit
 Constant pain in the infected region, ranging from mild to severe
 The breast skin developing pits and redness
 The infected nipple(s) carrying rashes
 Blood discharge from the nipple of the infected breast
 A deep-set or upturned nipple
 A drastic anomaly in the breast shape or size
 The skin of the nipple with effects like peeling, flaking or scaling
It is worth mentioning that the majority of lumps are benign. However, a regular check-up is
always advised, as the chances of successful breast cancer treatment amplify with an early
detection.

BREAST CANCER STAGES

Though a variety of staging methods are in use, generally breast cancer is spread out in five
stages, each of which is characterized by the size and outreach of the tumor. The oncologist
often determines the stages by subjecting the patient to a series of specialized physical exams,
X-rays, biopsies, bone scans and blood tests.

Initial stage: The primary stage of breast cancer is also medically referred to as Ductal
Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS). Here, the malignant cells are restricted within the duct and yet to
come in contact with the surrounding tissues.

Stage 1: This stage is characterized by the abnormal growth of malignant cells. The tumor size
is about 2 cm and the lymph nodes are not infected as yet.

Stage 2: Herein, the tumor gains size and outreach. The surrounding lymph nodes come in
contact with the infected cells.

Stage 3: In the onset of this stage, the tumor gains mass and may become as big as 5 cm
across. The threat of infected lymph nodes is maximized.
Stage 4: The final stage is characterized by the metastasis of malignant tissues. Cancer spreads
to distant organs, among which the prime recipients are brain, liver, bones and lungs.

BREAST CANCER TREATMENT

Surgery is the initial modality of treatment in early stages followed by chemotherapy /

Radiotherapy depending on the final histopathology report. In advanced cases initial
chemotherapy may be given to decrease the size of the tumor followed by surgery / radiation.
Patient may also require taking a tablet daily for minimum of 5 years based on the final report.

Surgical options include modified radical mastectomy (complete removal of breast + removing
nodes from arm pit), Breast conservation surgery (BCS) {removal of tumor + removing nodes
from armpit}. Both surgeries have comparable cure rates and are decided on the size of the
tumor and patients personal choice. Sentinel lymph node biopsy can be used in patients with no
nodes in the armpit at diagnosis.

For patients who desire reconstruction of breast options are available like silicon prosthesis, flaps
which will help to restore the contour of breast.