Remedium Superspeciality Hospital Remedium Superspeciality Hospital | 020-485-57511 | cancerspecialistpune.com Page 1 Remedium Superspeciality Hospital Can Breast Cancer Be Treated Without Removing the Whole Breast? A Breast Cancer Specialist in Pune Explains Breast Cancer | By Dr. Snita Sinukumar Short Description: A breast cancer diagnosis doesn't always mean losing the whole breast. Dr. Snita Sinukumar explains when breast-conserving surgery is possible, when mastectomy is needed, and how treatment is personalised. Does Every Woman Need a Mastectomy? No. Modern breast cancer treatment has evolved considerably. For many women with early-stage breast cancer, breast-conserving surgery followed by radiation therapy offers outcomes comparable to mastectomy in terms of long-term survival, when the patient is an appropriate candidate. What Is Breast-Conserving Surgery? Also called a lumpectomy, it involves removing the tumour and a small rim of healthy tissue, sometimes with nearby lymph nodes for staging. The majority of the breast remains intact, preserving appearance while offering cancer control comparable to mastectomy in appropriately selected patients. When Can the Breast Be Preserved? l Tumour size relative to breast size l Location of the tumour within the breast l Single tumour vs multiple tumours l Ability to achieve clear surgical margins l Suitability for follow-up radiation therapy l Patient preferences and shared decision-making Types of Breast Cancer l Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) – early, non-invasive l Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) – most common form l Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) – harder to detect on imaging l Inflammatory Breast Cancer – rare, aggressive Remedium Superspeciality Hospital Remedium Superspeciality Hospital | 020-485-57511 | cancerspecialistpune.com Page 2 l Triple-Negative Breast Cancer – different treatment approach l HER2-Positive Breast Cancer – treated with targeted therapy When to Consult a Breast Cancer Specialist l A new breast lump l Changes in breast size or shape l Nipple discharge, especially blood-stained l Skin dimpling or puckering l Persistent breast pain with a lump l A lump in the armpit l An abnormal mammogram or biopsy result Frequently Asked Questions Q: Does breast cancer always require removing the whole breast? A: No, many women with early-stage cancer may be candidates for breast-conserving surgery depending on stage, size, and location. Q: Is breast-conserving surgery as safe as mastectomy? A: For many women with early-stage cancer, it provides survival outcomes comparable to mastectomy with careful patient selection. Q: Does preserving the breast increase recurrence risk? A: Not necessarily, when combined with radiation therapy and regular follow-up, many women achieve excellent long-term outcomes. Q: Is every breast lump cancer? A: No, many lumps are benign, but any new lump or unusual symptom should be evaluated promptly. Read the Full Blog: Can Breast Cancer Be Treated Without Removing the Whole Breast? A Breast Cancer Specialist in Pune Explains Remedium Superspeciality Hospital Remedium Superspeciality Hospital | 020-485-57511 | cancerspecialistpune.com Page 3 Visit Website: cancerspecialistpune.com Phone: 020-485-57511 Book Consultation: cancerspecialistpune.com/book-an-appointment