Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that originates from the breast tissue, usually from the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply the ducts with milk. It can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. Symptoms may include a lump in the breast, changes in the size or shape of the breast, and changes to the skin on the breast, such as dimpling. Early detection and treatment are important for a positive outcome.
Breast cancer can be detected using several methods, including:
- Mammography: A low-dose X-ray that can detect breast tumors before they can be felt.
- Clinical breast exam: A physical exam performed by a healthcare provider to feel for lumps or other changes in the breast tissue.
- Breast self-examination: Regular self-examination of the breasts to look for changes or lumps.
- Ultrasound: A test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the breast tissue and detect any abnormalities.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An imaging test that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the breast tissue.
- Biopsy: The removal of a small sample of breast tissue to test for the presence of cancer cells.
It is important to note that mammography is the most effective tool for early detection of breast cancer and is recommended for women over the age of 50 and those at higher risk. However, the best way to detect breast cancer early is to have a combination of regular mammograms, clinical breast exams, and breast self-examinations, along with any other tests recommended by Mr Ghosh.
All diagnosis and tests are performed part of one stop clinic and will be completed the same day.
The treatment for breast cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, as well as other factors such as the patient’s age, overall health, and personal preferences. The most common treatments for breast cancer include:
- Surgery: The most common surgical treatment for breast cancer is a lumpectomy or mastectomy. A lumpectomy removes the cancerous tumor and some surrounding tissue, while a mastectomy removes the entire breast. In some cases, lymph nodes in the armpit may also be removed.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It is often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It may be used before or after surgery, or in cases where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
- Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy is used to treat breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive. These cancers use hormones such as estrogen and progesterone to grow. Hormone therapy may include medications that block the body’s production of these hormones, or medications that prevent the hormones from attaching to cancer cells.
- Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy is a type of treatment that specifically targets cancer cells. It may be used in cases where the cancer has a specific genetic mutation, or in cases where other treatments have not been effective.
The choice of treatment will be made by the patient in consultation with Mr Ghosh, and will depend on the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and other factors.
Innovations in Breast cancer surgery
There are several new innovations in breast cancer surgery that aim to improve outcomes for patients. Here are some examples:
- Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT): This is a newer technique that involves delivering a single dose of radiation therapy directly to the tumor site during surgery, immediately after the tumor is removed. This can reduce the overall treatment time for patients and may be more convenient than traditional radiation therapy, which typically requires daily treatments over several weeks.
2. Oncoplastic surgery: This is a technique that combines cancer surgery with plastic surgery techniques to preserve the appearance of the breast while still removing the cancerous tissue. This can improve the cosmetic outcome of breast cancer surgery and may be a good option for patients who want to avoid a mastectomy.
3. Sentinel lymph node biopsy: This is a minimally invasive procedure that can help determine whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. Instead of removing all of the lymph nodes in the armpit, a small number of sentinel lymph nodes are identified and removed for analysis. This can reduce the risk of lymphedema and other complications associated with lymph node removal.
4. Magnetic seed localization: This is a newer technique that can help guide the surgeon to the exact location of the tumor during surgery. A tiny magnetic seed is inserted into the tumor prior to surgery, which can be detected using a handheld device during the procedure. This can improve surgical accuracy and reduce the need for multiple surgeries.
5. Intraoperative imaging: This involves using specialized imaging techniques during surgery to better visualize the tumor and surrounding tissue. This can help ensure that all of the cancerous tissue is removed during surgery, which can improve outcomes for patients.
These are just a few examples of the many new innovations in breast cancer surgery. It is important for patients to discuss these options with their surgeon to determine which option is best for their individual needs and preferences.
Breast cancer reconstruction
There are several options for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, and the choice will depend on a number of factors, including the patient’s individual needs and preferences, as well as their overall health. The most common options for breast reconstruction after mastectomy include:
- Implant reconstruction: This involves placing a silicone or saline implant beneath the skin and chest muscle. This is a two-step process where an expandable implant is placed initially, which is gradually filled with saline in subsequent appointments until the desired breast size is achieved.
2. Autologous reconstruction: This involves using tissue from another part of the body, such as the abdomen, back, or buttocks, to create a new breast mound. This may require a longer recovery period than implant reconstruction, but may result in a more natural-looking breast.
3. Hybrid reconstruction: This combines the use of a tissue flap from the patient’s own body with an implant to create the new breast mound.
4. Fat transfer: This involves taking fat from another part of the body and using it to reconstruct the breast. This procedure may be used for patients who only require a small amount of tissue to be reconstructed.
5. Nipple and areola reconstruction: After the initial reconstruction is complete, a surgeon can create a nipple and areola using skin grafting, tattooing or a combination of both.
It is important for patients to discuss their options with a reconstructive surgeon to determine which option is best for their individual needs and preferences.
Pros and cons
Each type of breast reconstruction has its own set of pros and cons, and the choice of reconstruction method will depend on the individual patient’s needs and preferences. Here are some general pros and cons of each type of breast reconstruction:
- Implant reconstruction:
Pros:
– Shorter recovery time than autologous reconstruction
– No donor site scars
– May be a good option for patients who are not good candidates for autologous reconstruction
Cons:
– Implants may need to be replaced over time
– May require additional surgery to adjust implant size or correct complications such as capsular contracture
– May not be as natural-looking as autologous reconstruction
- Autologous reconstruction:
Pros:
– May result in a more natural-looking breast
– Lasts longer than implant reconstruction
– May be a good option for patients who do not want implants or who have had radiation therapy
Cons:
– Longer recovery time than implant reconstruction
– Donor site scarring and potential complications
– May require multiple surgeries to achieve desired result
- Hybrid reconstruction:
Pros:
– Combines benefits of both implant and autologous reconstruction
– May result in a more natural-looking breast than implant reconstruction alone
Cons:
– May require longer recovery time than implant reconstruction alone
– May require multiple surgeries to achieve desired result
- Fat transfer:
Pros:
– Uses the patient’s own tissue, resulting in a natural-looking breast
– Minimal scarring
– May be a good option for patients who only require a small amount of tissue to be reconstructed
Cons:
– May require multiple procedures to achieve desired result
– Not suitable for patients with very little body fat
– May not provide enough tissue for larger breast reconstruction
- Nipple and areola reconstruction:
Pros:
– Can help achieve a more natural-looking breast
– Can be performed as an outpatient procedure
Cons:
– May require multiple procedures to achieve desired result
– May not achieve the same level of sensation as a natural nipple
– Tattooing may fade over time
It is important for patients to discuss the pros and cons of each reconstruction option with their surgeon to determine which option is best for their individual needs and preferences.
Book a Consultation at
The Harley Street Clinic
13-18 Devonshire Street London W1G 7AE
Tel: +44 (0) 2072052281
King Edward VII Hospital
5-10 Beaumont Street ,Marylebone
London W1G 6 AA
Tel: +44 (0) 2072052281
The London Clinic
20 Devonshire Pl, Marylebone,
London W1G 6BW
The Harley Street Clinic Cancer Centre
81-83 Harley Street London W1G 8PP
Tel: +44 (0) 2072052281