Breast Cancer Treatment

Why You Should Care

Breast cancer awareness

Breast cancer is now the most common cancer among Indian women—and it’s increasingly being diagnosed in younger women too. The good news? Early detection unlocks powerful, conservative treatment options and offers the best chance for a cure.

Know the Warning Signs

If you notice any of the following changes in your breast, don’t ignore them:

  • A lump or a feeling of heaviness
  • Visible changes like redness, skin puckering, or a defined mass
  • Nipple discharge (especially if bloody or persistent)
  • Swelling in the armpit

Remember: Not all lumps are cancerous—but every change deserves attention.

Self-Breast Examination

I recommend that all women practice monthly self-examination during the first week after their period. Stand in front of a mirror and gently look and feel for any unusual changes. This simple habit can be life-saving and help detect cancer early.

How I Evaluate Breast Concerns

If you come to me with symptoms or a referral, I follow a proven Triple Assessment protocol:

  • Clinical Breast Examination
  • Imaging – X-ray (mammogram) and ultrasound of both breasts and armpits
  • Biopsy – If anything looks suspicious, we do a tissue biopsy to confirm

If Cancer is Confirmed: Next Steps

We conduct a full staging workup:

  • Whole-body scan (preferably Whole Body MRI or PET-CT) to check for spread
  • Molecular analysis to identify the specific subtype of breast cancer – this guides personalized treatment

Tailored Treatment Plans

Treatment depends on the stage and molecular subtype of cancer:

Oncoplastic Breast Surgeries

Early Breast Cancer (confined to breast)

Surgery first

Followed by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy as needed

Minimally Invasive Robotic Cancer Surgeries

Locally Advanced Cancer (larger tumor or lymph node spread)

Neoadjuvant treatment (chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy)

Then surgery and post-op therapies as indicated

Organ Specific Cancer Surgeries

Advanced/Metastatic Cancer (spread to other organs)

Palliative intent – Focus on controlling disease and improving quality of life

Systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormonal therapy, with surgery or radiotherapy as appropriate

Surgical Options

Oncoplastic Breast Surgery

Combines cancer surgery with cosmetic techniques to remove the tumor while preserving breast shape and confidence. Ideal for women seeking breast conservation with aesthetic restoration.

Sentinel Node Biopsy

A precise, minimally invasive surgery to remove only the affected lymph nodes using special dyes—preventing complications like arm swelling (lymphedema) or shoulder pain.

Mastectomy with Whole Breast Reconstruction

Involves removing the entire breast (with or without nipple preservation) and reconstructing it using:

  • Autologous tissue (from back or abdomen)
  • Modern breast implants

Recommended for advanced cases or women with genetic predisposition (e.g., BRCA mutations).

Adjuvant Treatments (After Surgical treatment)

Cardiovascular Medicine

Chemotherapy

Drugs that destroy cancer cells throughout the body.

Side effects: hair loss, nausea, low blood counts Common drugs: Epirubicin, Cyclophosphamide, Paclitaxel, Carboplatin
Cardiovascular Medicine

Targeted Therapy

Smart drugs that attack specific cancer cell markers.

Examples: Trastuzumab, Pertuzumab, T-DM1, T-DXd
Cardiovascular Medicine

Immunotherapy

Boosts your immune system to fight cancer naturally, with fewer side effects.

Example: Pembrolizumab
Cardiovascular Medicine

Endocrine (Hormone) Therapy

Used in hormone-positive cancers, taken daily for 5–10 years.

Examples: Tamoxifen, Letrozole, Exemestane
Cardiovascular Medicine

Radiotherapy

Advanced IMRT and VMAT techniques target the tumor area precisely with minimal radiation side effects & skin changes and excellent cosmetic results.

💬 Need a Second Opinion or Guidance?

Whether you're facing a diagnosis or helping a loved one, I’m here to support your journey.

Dr Pradeep Dhanasekaran
Consultant Surgical Oncologist & Breast Oncoplastic Surgeon.

Book your consultation today and take care of your breast health
Dr. Pradeep Dhanasekaran