1. Introduction & Overview
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women, and early diagnosis plays a crucial role in successful treatment outcomes.
Dr. Parveen Mendiratta provides comprehensive breast cancer evaluation and surgical treatment including:
- Breast Conservation Surgery: Clear margin tumor excision while preserving the natural breast shape and aesthetic contour.
- Mastectomy: Precision removal of breast tissue, including skin-sparing and nipple-sparing options where suitable.
- Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: Identifying and checking primary draining lymph nodes to avoid unnecessary full armpit clearances.
- Axillary Surgery: Standard removal of axillary lymph nodes when staging checks confirm nodal spreads.
- Reconstructive Planning: Collaborating with cosmetic and reconstruction experts for symmetric outcomes.
The treatment approach is personalized based on cancer stage, patient condition, and overall treatment goals.
2. Key Symptoms & Warning Signs
Early clinical signs vary based on individual stage developments. Seek an oncology review immediately if you notice:
- A hard, painless lump inside breast tissue or under the armpit.
- Structural changes in breast shape, skin dimpling, or redness resembling orange peel.
- Nipple inversion or clear, bloody discharges from breast ducts.
3. Key Staging & Staging Diagnoses
Precise diagnosis is foundational for accurate surgical mappings:
- Digital Mammograms: High-magnification diagnostic breast X-rays.
- Core Needle Biopsies: Safe sampling of suspicious lump tissues for histological validation.
- PET-CT Scans: Advanced nuclear tracking to evaluate potential systemic metastases.
4. Core Surgical Procedures
Dr. Mendiratta specializes in three primary surgical approaches:
- Breast Conserving Surgery (Lumpectomy): Clear margin tumor excision while preserving healthy breast architecture.
- Radical & Skin-Sparing Mastectomies: Complete breast tissue clearance, optionally saving skin flaps for immediate reconstructions.
- Oncoplastic Reconstruction: Combining oncology safety with cosmetic surgical principles to recreate symmetrical contours.
5. Surgical Recovery Roadmaps
Following standard post-operative clinical guidelines ensures rapid physical recoveries:
Most lumpectomy patients return home within 24 to 48 hours. Wound drains are typically managed for 5 to 10 days, followed by specific shoulder mobilization exercise schedules directed by our physiotherapists.