Breast Lump Diagnosis & Treatment in Delhi

Indications

• Diagnosis: To obtain a tissue sample (biopsy) for testing if a lump is suspected to be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign).
• Treatment: If the lump is confirmed to be non-cancerous, surgery may be performed to remove it completely for symptomatic relief or to prevent recurrence.
• Cosmetic: In cases where a lump causes noticeable changes in breast appearance or discomfort.

Procedure

1. Consultation: A comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare provider, including breast examination, imaging studies (like mammogram or ultrasound), and possibly biopsy.
2. Preoperative Assessment: Depending on the findings, further imaging or tests may be conducted to plan the surgery.
3. Anesthesia: Breast lump surgery can be performed under local anesthesia (where the breast area is numbed), regional anesthesia (numbing larger areas such as the chest), or general anesthesia (where you are asleep).
4. Incision and Removal:
   • Lumpectomy: The surgeon makes an incision over the lump and carefully removes the entire mass along with a small margin of surrounding normal breast tissue.
   • Wire Localization: Sometimes, a thin wire may be placed into the breast before surgery to guide the surgeon to the precise location of the lump.
5. Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: If the lump is suspicious for cancer, a sentinel lymph node biopsy may be performed to determine if cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
6. Closure: The incision is closed with sutures, and a sterile dressing is applied.
7. Pathology Examination: The removed tissue is sent to a pathology laboratory for examination under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and assess margins.

Recovery

• Pain Management: Pain after surgery is usually managed with medications prescribed by your surgeon.
• Activity: Most patients can resume light activities within a few days but should avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks.
• Follow-up: Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing, review pathology results, and discuss further treatment if necessary.

Risks and Complications

• Bleeding and Infection: Possible risks associated with any surgical procedure.
• Scar Formation: Scarring at the incision site, which fades over time.
• Changes in Breast Sensation: Temporary or permanent changes in breast sensation, particularly around the surgical area.
• Seroma: Collection of fluid under the skin at the surgical site.

Results

• Diagnosis: Provides a definitive diagnosis of the breast lump (benign or malignant).
• Treatment: If cancerous, surgical removal may be the first step in treating breast cancer, followed by additional therapies as needed.
• Cosmetic Outcome: Generally, efforts are made to minimize scarring and preserve breast appearance.

Breast lump surgery aims to address concerns related to breast health, whether for diagnostic purposes or therapeutic intervention. It’s important to discuss the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes thoroughly with your healthcare provider or surgeon.