Oncoplastic Breast Surgery
Breast surgery is one of the effective treatment options to consider for breast cancer when all other treatments, such as medications and chemotherapy, have failed. During this process, the healthcare provider removes cancer-affected areas of the breast and keeps the remaining portion intact. However, it may change the look and contour of the breast: so the doctor may choose oncoplastic breast surgery to maintain the breast’s appearance with the patient’s health.
Oncoplastic breast surgery is a combination of cancer treatment surgery and cosmetic surgery to reconstruct the breast and restore its appearance. In this process, the doctor removes cancer-affected breast tissues, and the plastic surgeon or oncoplastic surgeon performs additional operations to deal with the deformities caused during the surgery. This may involve performing surgeries on both breasts to make them look similar.
Combining reconstruction with treatment surgeries reduces the need for undergoing multiple operative procedures. The patient will have one recovery period that implies fewer interruptions in her life. Operating with reconstruction can help healthcare providers eliminate tissues surrounding the cancer area, which may help in removing a complete tumour.
Before oncoplastic breast surgery, patients can discuss reconstruction options with doctors. They will know what the procedure involves, how doctors will remove lumps and how it will affect the breast’s look. Once these questions are sorted, patients will better understand how to manage the reconstruction.
Indications of oncoplastic breast surgery
Oncoplastic breast surgery is suggested in the following cases.
- Small and early-stage cancer
- Benign tumor
- Localised cancerous growth
- Tumour size less than 5 centimetres
Contraindications of oncoplastic breast surgery
Breast reconstruction surgery is not performed in the following cases.
- Multiple tumours in the breast that cannot be removed through surgeries.
- Exposure to radiation before surgery.
- Cancer that can spread in the body.
- Having large tumours in small size breasts.
- Having a family history of scleroderma (a condition that causes hardening of the breast skin). This can complicate the procedure.
- History of systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune chronic inflammatory disease.
Complications of oncoplastic breast surgery
Some complications of oncoplastic breast surgery include;
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Blood clot formation
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Reoccurrence of tumours if cells are left behind.
- Reaction to anaesthesia
- Change in the breast appearance, size and shape.
- Scar formation
Why consult Dr Shilpy Dolas an Oncoplastic breast surgeon?
Dr Shilpy Dolas is among the best oncoplastic breast reconstruction surgeons in India. She has been in the field of breast cancer treatment for more than ten years. She did her graduation from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut and a post-graduation degree from DY Patil Hospital, Pune. Moreover, she completed her training and fellowships from various national and international institutes like TATA Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, Marine hospital Dusseldorf, Germany, etc. Dr Dolas has done appreciatable tasks in the breast reconstruction and surgery field. She has been featured in more than ten national and international peer-reviewed journals.
Dr Shilpy Dolas is one of the well-experienced oncoplastic breast surgeons who is trained in reconstruction surgeries and provides treatment for breast cancer-related diseases, such as granulomatous mastitis, breast abscesses, fibroadenomas, etc. Presently, she is working at the Heart and breast care clinic in Pune to help people with breast cancer issues.
Clinic Centres
Heart and breast care clinic, plot no. 78/A next to Pune polymer house, near magar stadium, Pimpri Colony, Pune.
FAQs
Q.1 How much time does oncoplastic surgery take?
Ans. The surgery can be done in 24 hours or one day as an outpatient procedure. However, the time can increase or decrease depending on the severity of cancer.
Q.2 Is oncoplastic reconstruction surgery painful?
Ans. As the surgery is performed under anesthesia, patients will not feel or sense pain during the procedure. However, after recovery, they can feel pain, but it can be managed with painkillers.
Q.3 What is the recovery time after oncoplastic surgery?
Ans. The recovery time varies from patient to patient. However, patients tend to feel normal in a few days, and the incisions heal within 2 to 3 weeks.