A breast cancer diagnosis can bring fear, confusion, and many questions. Surgery is often a key part of treatment, but not knowing what to expect can add to the stress. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or preparing for surgery, understanding the process helps ease anxiety and makes the journey more manageable. In this guide, we explain what happens before and after breast cancer surgery, the symptoms and causes to be aware of, and the different stages of the disease, so you can feel informed, supported, and ready to take the next step.
What is Breast Cancer Surgery?
Breast cancer surgery is one of the main treatments used to remove cancer from the breast and to help prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body. It works by surgically removing the tumour along with some surrounding tissue to ensure all cancerous cells are taken out. This procedure is carefully planned based on the size, location and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and preferences. Surgeons aim to remove as much of the cancer as possible while preserving healthy breast tissue whenever it is safe to do so.
Types of Breast Cancer Surgery
- Lumpectomy: Removes only the tumour and a small margin of surrounding tissue.
- Mastectomy: Removes the entire breast to lower the risk of the cancer spreading or returning.
Additional procedures
In some cases, lymph nodes under the arm are also removed during surgery to check whether the cancer has spread.
Part of a combined treatment plan
Breast cancer surgery is often used alongside other treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy or hormone therapy. These additional treatments help destroy any remaining cancer cells and lower the chance of the disease coming back.
Causes of Breast Cancer
While the exact causes of breast cancer remain unclear, certain risk factors are known to increase its likelihood. Being aware of these helps patients and doctors plan appropriate screenings and treatments. Key risk factors include:
- Age and gender: Breast cancer is more common in women over 50, but men can develop it too.
- Family history and genetics: Inherited mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, raise the risk.
- Hormonal factors: Longer exposure to estrogen from early menstruation or late menopause can increase risk.
- Lifestyle factors: Excess weight, alcohol use, smoking, and lack of activity play a role.
- Previous breast conditions: Certain benign conditions or a history of breast cancer raise future risk.
Knowing your risk factors can help you and your care team decide on preventive steps and screening schedules.
Symptoms That May Lead to Breast Cancer Surgery
Knowing the signs that could lead to breast cancer surgery helps with early detection and timely treatment. It’s important to check your breasts regularly and look out for any changes that might require medical evaluation and possible surgery. Some symptoms to watch for include:
- A lump in the breast or underarm: A new lump or thickening that feels different from the rest of the breast tissue can signal the need for further testing and surgery if cancer is found.
- Changes in breast shape or size: Swelling or noticeable changes in size or shape may require medical investigation.
- Skin changes: Dimpling, redness, or puckering of the skin may indicate an underlying tumour.
- Nipple changes: An inverted nipple, unusual discharge (other than breast milk), or soreness around the nipple should be checked.
- Pain: While not all lumps cause pain, persistent breast or armpit pain should not be ignored.
If you notice any of these signs, consult a healthcare professional promptly to discuss whether surgery may be part of your treatment plan.
How Breast Cancer is Diagnosed Before Surgery
Accurate diagnosis is key for planning safe and effective breast cancer surgery. Doctors use several methods to confirm the disease and decide the best surgical approach. These include:
- Physical Examination: Doctors check for signs such as lumps, changes in size or shape, or skin and nipple changes.
- Imaging Tests: Mammography, ultrasound, or MRI help detect abnormal areas and assess their size and location.
- Biopsy: If tests reveal something suspicious, a biopsy removes a small tissue sample to confirm the presence and type of breast cancer.
Early and precise diagnosis ensures that your surgical plan is tailored to the cancer’s stage and your health needs.
What are the Stages of Breast Cancer Surgery?
Once breast cancer is confirmed, staging shows how far the disease has spread – a crucial factor for surgical planning.
- Stage 0: Non-invasive, confined within ducts or lobules, may require surgery to prevent spread.
- Stage I-II: Localised tumours that surgery can remove through lumpectomy or mastectomy.
- Stage III: More advanced tumours that may need more extensive surgery combined with other treatments.
- Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant organs, and surgery may help relieve symptoms or remove specific tumours, depending on the situation.
Understanding staging helps patients and doctors choose the best surgical and follow-up treatment plan.
When is Breast Cancer Surgery Recommended?
Breast cancer surgery is an important part of breast cancer treatment and may be recommended at different stages, depending on how far the disease has progressed.
Early stages:
In early stages, surgery may be suggested to remove only the tumour (lumpectomy) or, if needed, the entire breast (mastectomy). The choice depends on the size and position of the tumour, as well as individual health and preference.
Before or after other treatments:
Surgery is often combined with chemotherapy, radiation or hormone therapy as part of a complete breast cancer treatment plan. Sometimes, chemotherapy is given first to shrink the tumour and help preserve healthy tissue.
Advanced stages:
For advanced cases, surgery might help remove as much cancer as possible or ease discomfort if the disease has spread.
Key factors for surgery:
Doctors consider several factors, breast cancer symptoms, stage and type of cancer, and overall health, before deciding if surgery is the best option.
What to Expect Before Breast Cancer Surgery
Preparing for breast cancer surgery involves several important steps to ensure the best possible outcome. Knowing what to expect in advance can help reduce anxiety and make the process smoother.
1. Medical assessments and planning
Before surgery, doctors confirm the breast cancer stage and plan the safest approach. This may include blood tests, scans, and a discussion about whether a lumpectomy or mastectomy is needed. Knowing the causes of breast cancer, risk factors, and test results helps the surgical team choose the best method.
2. Discussing treatment options
Patients must meet with an oncologist to talk through the procedure, possible risks and expected recovery. This is also the time to ask questions about breast cancer symptoms that may affect surgery or recovery.
3. Preparing physically and emotionally
Doctors may give instructions to stop certain medications or make lifestyle adjustments, such as quitting smoking or improving nutrition, to support healing. Many people also find it helpful to arrange support from family or friends for the days following surgery.
What Happens During Breast Cancer Surgery?
Understanding what takes place during breast cancer surgery can help ease worries and prepare patients for the day.
Arrival and preparation
Patients are admitted to hospital and prepared for surgery. The medical team checks vital signs, reviews any last test results and explains the procedure to answer final questions.
Anaesthesia
Breast cancer surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, so patients remain asleep and pain-free throughout.
The operation
The exact steps depend on the type of surgery required. A lumpectomy removes the tumour and some surrounding tissue, while a mastectomy removes all breast tissue if needed. In some cases, nearby lymph nodes are also removed and tested to check for spread.
Safety during surgery
Throughout the procedure, the surgical team monitors the patient closely to ensure safety and manage any risks.
How Long Will Breast Cancer Surgery Take?
The length of breast cancer surgery can vary depending on the type of procedure and any additional steps involved.
- Lumpectomy: Usually takes about one to two hours, as it involves removing only the tumour and a small amount of surrounding tissue.
- Mastectomy: May take around two to three hours, since it involves removing all breast tissue and sometimes nearby structures.
- Lymph node removal: If lymph nodes are removed during the surgery to check for cancer spread, this can add extra time.
The surgical team will explain the expected duration in advance so patients and families can plan accordingly.
What to Expect After Breast Cancer Surgery
Knowing what happens after breast cancer surgery can help patients and their families feel more prepared and supported during recovery.
Immediate recovery
After surgery, patients are moved to a recovery area where medical staff monitor vital signs as the effects of anaesthesia wear off. Pain relief is provided if needed, and nurses check for any immediate complications.
Hospital stay
Some people return home the same day, while others may need to stay in hospital for a few days. The length of stay depends on the type of surgery, how the operation went and the patient’s overall health.
Wound care and healing
It’s normal to have stitches, dressings and sometimes surgical drains to help remove excess fluid. The healthcare team gives clear instructions on how to care for wounds, manage discomfort and spot any signs of infection.
Physical recovery
Gentle arm exercises may be suggested to help regain movement and reduce stiffness. A follow-up appointment is usually recommended to check healing, remove stitches if needed, and discuss any test results.
Emotional wellbeing
Recovering from breast cancer surgery is not only physical but emotional too. Feelings of worry or sadness are common. Many people find it helpful to talk to family, friends or support groups during this time.
Next steps in treatment
Depending on the stage and what the surgery found, further breast cancer treatment such as chemotherapy, radiation or hormone therapy may be recommended. These help lower the risk of cancer returning.
Choose the Best Hospital in India for Breast Cancer Treatment
Selecting the right hospital is one of the most important decisions when looking to undergo breast cancer surgery. A well-equipped hospital with experienced specialists, advanced diagnostic tools and modern surgical techniques can make a real difference to treatment and recovery. The best hospitals in India for breast cancer treatment offer comprehensive care under one roof, from early detection and diagnosis to surgery and ongoing support. Multidisciplinary teams work together to ensure that each patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their needs.
