Breast cancer surgery removes tumour tissue from the breast, with the procedure type determined by cancer stage, tumour size, and whether lymph nodes are involved. It ranges from a lumpectomy that spares most of the breast to a full mastectomy. Some patients also need lymph node surgery done in the same session. And depending on the case, reconstruction can happen at the same time or months later.
According to Prof. Dr. Sandeep Nayak, Surgical Oncologist in India,Breast Cancer Surgery in Bangalorehas moved well beyond tumour removal today’s approach is as much about preserving how a woman’s body looks and functions after the procedure as it is about treating the disease.
Worried about what the surgical process actually involves, step by step?
What Happens Before Breast Cancer Surgery Begins?
Preparation starts well ahead of the operation day and covers medical, anaesthetic, and imaging assessments to make the procedure safer.
- Pre-op Tests: Blood work, ECG, and chest imaging are ordered to confirm the patient is medically fit for anaesthesia, since undetected cardiac or clotting issues can complicate recovery significantly.
- Imaging Review: The surgical team reviews recent mammograms, ultrasounds, or MRI scans to map the tumour’s exact position and plan the incision this step directly affects how much tissue gets removed.
- Marking: On the day of surgery, the surgeon marks the skin to guide incision placement, and in cases where sentinel node biopsy is planned, a radiotracer or blue dye is injected a few hours before.
- Consent and Team Briefing: The patient signs informed consent after discussing risks, and the surgical team runs a safety checklist before the patient enters the operating theatre.
Surgeons don’t skip these steps even for smaller tumours the prep determines how cleanly the cancer can be excised.
Considering your options for types of breast cancer surgery Understanding each approach helps before walking into a consultation.
What Happens in the Operating Theatre During Breast Cancer Surgery?
Once under general anaesthesia, the sequence follows a set clinical order: the tumour is removed, margins are assessed, and lymph nodes may be sampled or cleared.
- Incision and Excision: The surgeon cuts along the pre-marked lines and removes the tumour with a surrounding margin of healthy tissue wider margins are taken if frozen-section analysis during surgery shows cancer cells at the edge.
- Lymph Node Handling: If a sentinel node biopsy is part of the plan, the surgeon traces the dye or tracer to identify the first draining nodes, removes them, and sends them for immediate analysis, with axillary dissection following only if those nodes test positive.
- Closure and Drain Placement: After haemostasis, the wound is closed in layers, and a small drainage tube is placed temporarily to prevent fluid accumulation in the surgical pocket.
- Robotic or Minimally Invasive Technique: In eligible patients, the procedure is performed through smaller ports using robotic assistance, which allows finer dissection around the nipple-areola complex and results in less visible scarring post-operatively.
Most lumpectomies wrap up within two hours; mastectomies with immediate reconstruction can run four to six hours depending on the reconstruction method chosen.Read more about recovery and what follows on the breast cancer surgery blog.
Why Choose Dr. Sandeep Nayak for Breast Cancer Care in Bangalore?
Dr. Sandeep Nayak holds MBBS, DNB (General Surgery), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (UK), and MNAMS qualifications, with over 20 years of surgical oncology experience and a K Subhramanyam Robotic Innovation Award 2023 for excellence in robotic surgery. He is the Executive Director of Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgery at KIMS Hospital and practices at MACS Clinic, Jayanagar. Patients across India seek out Dr. Sandeep Nayak specifically for minimally invasive and nipple-sparing mastectomy techniques.
Outcomes here aren’t described in vague terms. Patients who’ve undergone robotic breast surgery under his care report shorter hospital stays, less post-operative pain, and cosmetic results that hold up years after surgery. That’s the actual benchmark.
FAQ
Is breast cancer surgery done under general anaesthesia?
Yes, most procedures use general anaesthesia; local with sedation is rarely used for minor biopsies only.
How long does a lumpectomy typically take?
A standard lumpectomy takes one to two hours, depending on tumour location and margin assessment.
Will a drain be placed after breast cancer surgery?
Yes, a small drainage tube is usually placed temporarily to remove fluid from the surgical site.
Can sentinel node biopsy and tumour removal happen in the same surgery?
Yes, both are routinely performed together in a single operative session when indicated.
References
- National Cancer Institute – Breast Cancer Treatment (Adult) (PDQ)
- NCBI / PubMed – Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer
Disclaimer
This blog is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.