The most common cancer in women — highly treatable when found early, with options that increasingly preserve the breast.
How is breast cancer treated?
The most common cancer in women — highly treatable when found early, with options that increasingly preserve the breast.
Category
Women's cancers
Treated by
Surgical Oncology, Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology
Surgical approaches
Organ-Preserving Cancer Surgery, Oncoplastic Breast Surgery
Where
Vesu, Surat
Breast cancer begins when cells in the breast grow out of control. Outcomes today are strongly linked to how early it is detected, which is why screening and prompt assessment of any change matter so much.
At Agastya, breast cancer is managed by our surgical, medical and radiation oncologists together — so surgery, systemic therapy and radiation form a single plan rather than disconnected steps.
Early signs to check
A new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
Change in breast size, shape or skin texture
Nipple discharge, inversion or persistent skin changes
Symptoms have many causes and don't mean cancer — but persistent changes are always worth checking early.
How it is diagnosed
Clinical breast examination and history
Imaging — mammography and ultrasound, MRI where needed
Core-needle biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and its subtype
Staging investigations to understand the extent of disease
When surgery is required
Surgery is a central treatment for most early and locally-advanced breast cancers
It may follow chemotherapy in some cases to shrink the tumour first
The exact plan depends on the stage, tumour type and your preferences
Types of surgery that may be performed
Breast conservation surgery (lumpectomy / wide local excision)
Oncoplastic breast surgery combining clearance with reshaping
Mastectomy, with reconstruction considered where appropriate
Assessment of the underarm lymph nodes (sentinel node / clearance)
Before surgery
Complete staging and, if needed, discussion of therapy before surgery
A clear explanation of the recommended operation and alternatives
Pre-operative assessment and planning with the wider team
After surgery
Monitored recovery with pain and wound care
Review of the pathology to finalise any further treatment
Coordination of radiation or systemic therapy where indicated
Structured follow-up and supportive care
When to consult an oncosurgeon
You have found a new lump or breast change
You have a biopsy confirming breast cancer
You have been advised surgery and want to confirm the plan
You would like a surgical second opinion
Can minimally invasive surgery be considered?
Breast cancer surgery is not usually laparoscopic, but it is increasingly breast-conserving. Where oncologically safe, breast conservation and oncoplastic techniques can remove the cancer completely while restoring a natural shape — decided individually after evaluation.
Surgical approaches
Depending on the individual case, these surgical techniques may be considered for breast cancer.
Beyond the surgery, care for breast cancer means looking after the whole person — body and mind.
Treatment & cure
Breast-conserving surgery
Lumpectomy with clear margins removes the cancer while keeping the breast, often with oncoplastic reshaping.
Mastectomy with reconstruction
When conservation is not oncologically safe, mastectomy — with reconstruction where appropriate — offers complete removal.
Systemic & hormone therapy
Chemotherapy, targeted (HER2) and hormone therapy are matched to the tumour's individual biology.
Radiation therapy
Often follows breast-conserving surgery to lower the risk of the cancer returning locally.
Caring for your body
Gentle arm & shoulder movement
Guided exercises after surgery restore shoulder movement and reduce stiffness and lymphoedema risk.
Care for the surgical site
Follow wound and drain care, wear supportive garments as advised, and watch for swelling or redness.
Nutrition & a healthy weight
Balanced eating and a healthy weight support recovery and long-term wellbeing.
Keep up follow-up imaging
Regular review and surveillance imaging help catch any change early.
Caring for your mind
Body image & confidence
Feelings about changes to your body are normal; our team and reconstruction options can help.
Talk it through
Counselling and breast-cancer support groups connect you with others who understand.
Managing fear of recurrence
Worry about the cancer returning is common; mindfulness and open conversations with your team ease it.
Support for family
Partners and children are affected too — support is available for them as well.
Frequently asked
Breast Cancer: common questions
Often, yes. Breast conservation is possible for many patients when it does not compromise complete cancer removal. Whether it is right for you depends on the tumour size, location and stage.
It depends on the individual cancer. Some patients need additional treatment before or after surgery; others do not. The plan is decided after reviewing your full diagnosis and pathology.
How we treat it
Breast Cancer is managed by these specialists, planned together as one coordinated pathway.
