Dr. Lakhan Kashyap

Consultant - Medical oncology

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Reviewed by

Dr. Lakhan Kashyap

Consultant - Medical oncology

Manipal Hospitals, Baner

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Breast Cancer Surgery: Types, Recovery & Outcomes

Q: How soon can I resume normal activities?

Light activities can usually be resumed within 1 2 weeks, while strenuous tasks should wait for medical clearance.

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Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, but it is also among the most treatable when diagnosed early. For many patients, breast cancer surgery plays a central role in treatment either to remove the tumour, prevent its spread, or improve long-term survival. At Manipal Hospitals, breast cancer surgery is delivered by experienced surgical oncologists at Baner, Pune, using evidence-based, patient-centred approaches.

This guide explains the types of breast cancer surgery, what patients can expect before and after the procedure, recovery timelines, and survival outcomes, helping patients and families make informed decisions with confidence.

What Happens in Breast Cancer Surgery?

Breast cancer surgery involves removing cancerous tissue from the breast, sometimes along with nearby lymph nodes, to prevent the disease from spreading. The type of surgery depends on factors such as:

Stage and size of the tumour
Whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes
Hormone receptor status
Patient’s overall health and personal preferences

At Manipal Hospitals Pune, surgery is often combined with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy to improve outcomes.

Types of Breast Cancer Surgery

1. Lumpectomy (Breast-Conserving Surgery)

A lumpectomy removes only the tumour and a small margin of healthy tissue around it, preserving most of the breast.

Recommended when:

Cancer is detected early
The tumour is small and localised

Key benefits:

Breast shape is largely maintained
Shorter recovery time
Usually followed by radiation therapy

2. Mastectomy

A mastectomy involves removing the entire breast and may be advised when cancer is extensive or recurrent.

Types of mastectomy include:

Simple (Total) Mastectomy
Modified Radical Mastectomy
Skin-Sparing or Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy

Breast reconstruction surgery can be done immediately or at a later stage, based on patient choice and medical advice.

3. Lymph Node Surgery

To determine whether cancer has spread, surgeons may remove lymph nodes from the underarm area.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: Removes the first few lymph nodes where cancer is likely to spread
Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: Removes multiple nodes if cancer is detected

Preparing for Breast Cancer Surgery

Before surgery, patients undergo:

Imaging tests (mammogram, MRI, ultrasound)
Biopsy confirmation
Blood tests and cardiac evaluation
Detailed counselling about surgical options

At Manipal Hospitals Baner, a multidisciplinary tumour board reviews each case to ensure personalised and optimal treatment planning.

Breast Cancer Surgery Recovery Time

Recovery after breast cancer surgery varies depending on the procedure performed.

Breast Cancer Surgery

Surgery Type	Typical Recovery Time
Lumpectomy	1–2 weeks
Mastectomy	3–6 weeks
Mastectomy with Reconstruction	6–8 weeks

What to Expect During Recovery

Mild to moderate pain or tightness
Temporary swelling and bruising
Restricted arm movement (initially)
Drain tubes (in some cases)

Physiotherapy and guided exercises help restore shoulder mobility and reduce stiffness.

Breast Cancer After Surgery: Life & Care

Life after breast cancer surgery focuses on healing, monitoring, and emotional well-being.

Post-surgery care includes:

Wound care and dressing changes
Regular follow-up appointments
Additional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation
Lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet and gentle physical activity

Emotional recovery is just as important. Support groups, counselling, and family involvement play a vital role in overall healing.

Breast Cancer Surgery Survival Rate

The breast cancer surgery survival rate is highly encouraging, especially when cancer is detected early.

Stage I: Over 90% 5-year survival rate
Stage II: Approximately 80–85%
Stage III: Around 60–70%
Stage IV: Depends on response to treatment

Advancements in surgical techniques, early detection, and personalised therapies at centres like Manipal Hospital Baner have significantly improved long-term outcomes.