BEST BREAST CANCER SPECIALIST BANDRA

A detailed history and a Clinical Breast Examination is the first step which involves studying the location and size of the lump, how close is it to skin, does it involve skin or not and assessing nodes in the arm pit and above collar bone. This is followed by examination of the opposute breast and a general examination. Examination of the breast gives a rough idea of what stage it could be. This helps in planning the type of scan needed for staging.

Mammography gives us precise location of tumour and tells us whether it is only one or more than one tumour. Sometimes, an MRI may be needed. Core Biopsy involves taking out a bit of tissue from the lump, which is examined by a pathologist who confirms if it is indeed a cancer. Core biopsy is better than FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology), since Core biopsy can also tell us about the type of breast cancer (FNAC cannot).

After cancer is confirmed by core biopsy, we wish to know whether it has spread elsewhere or not. For that, depending on clinical staging from Step One (Examination), we advise certain scans to be done, to check organs like liver, lung, bone etc. Also, routine blood tests, X Ray Chest, ECG and 2D Echo are done as baseline fitness tests.

Planning is usually done in a 'Joint Clinic' comprising of different Oncologists. This is THE most important step in the journey of treatment of breast cancer. Some patients undergo surgery first, followed by chemo and other treatments, whereas some undergo chemo first, followed by surgery later. Some have to undergo only chemo and no other treatment. This planning 'sequence' of surgery and other treatments is extremely crucial and can affect the outcome.

When we plan a surgery, lots of considerations need to be done. Can we preserve the breast? Can we do a Sentinel Node biopsy and avoid removal of most nodes in the arm pit? In cases of mastectomy, can a simultaneous reconstruction by a cosmetic surgery team be done? In a breast conservative surgery, how can I achieve the best cosmetic outcome? Patients and care givers are counseled in detail about all optinos, and we help them take a call.

Mental, Social and Physical Rehabilitation plays a crucial role. It's important that a breast cancer survivor sees herself with dignity and in a way she would want to (good cosmetic outcome after surgery is so important here); it's important to make sure she is back to normal life and society, doing work that she could do earlier. A good medical team, like ours, will give a lot of attention on this aspect. And finally, the survivor is given a regular follow up schedule, according to her stage and standard guidelines.