Breast Cancer Treatment in Delhi, India

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the tissues of the breast. These malignant cells typically form in the lobules or the ducts, which are the milk-producing and transporting structures of the breast. Breast cancer develops when the cells in the breast undergo abnormal changes, causing them to multiply uncontrollably and form a lump or tumour. Similar to other types of cancers, breast cancer can invade nearby tissues in the breast and potentially spread to different parts of the body, resulting in the formation of new tumours. This spreading process is referred to as metastasis. It's important to note that while breast cancer can affect both men and women, the risk of breast cancer in women is significantly higher. 

Breast cancer symptoms can vary from person to person, but it's crucial to be aware of the early signs that may indicate the presence of this disease. These symptoms may include:

• A lump or thickening in the breast, armpit, or around the collarbone
• Changes to the skin of the breast, such as dimpling, puckering, redness or scaling
• Discharge from a nipple (not related to breastfeeding)
• Swelling in all or some parts of breast (even if there is no distinct lump)
• Inverted nipples
• Nipple pain or tenderness
• Constant pain in one spot that doesn’t go away

If individuals experience any of these early signs or symptoms, it is essential to promptly consult a breast cancer specialist for a thorough evaluation, as early detection and treatment can significantly improve the prognosis for breast cancer. Regular breast self-exams and mammograms are also vital for detecting breast cancer in its early stages.

While the exact breast cancer causes are not known, some risk factors increase the chances of breast cancer in individuals. These include:

• Female with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle
• Previous history of high radiation exposure
• History of breast conditions
• History of breast cancer in the family
• Lack of breastfeeding
• Early-onset of periods
• Pregnancy in older age
• History of breast surgery
• Late Menopause, i.e. at an older age
• Postmenopausal hormone therapy

Detecting breast cancer is crucial for timely treatment. Doctors employ various tests to diagnose breast cancer and determine the most effective treatment options. The choice of tests depends on factors such as the suspected type of cancer, your age, general health, and any previous medical tests. The diagnostic process typically begins when a person or their doctor identifies a breast abnormality through a mammogram or self-examination. If something suspicious is found, further tests are conducted. Here are some commonly used diagnostic methods:

Imaging Tests

• Diagnostic Mammography: Similar to screening mammography but with more images, it is used when a person experiences new symptoms or signs.
• Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to distinguish between solid masses (potentially cancerous) and fluid-filled cysts (usually non-cancerous).
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Utilises magnetic fields to produce detailed images, often used for surgical planning, evaluating tumour growth, or screening high-risk individuals.

Biopsy

A biopsy is essential to confirm cancer presence. Different types of biopsies include:

• Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy: Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy Involves a thin needle to collect a small sample of cells.
• Core Needle Biopsy: Uses a wider needle to obtain a larger tissue sample, usually preferred for diagnosing breast cancer.
• Image-Guided Biopsy: A needle is guided to the affected area with imaging techniques like mammography, ultrasound, or MRI, often performed as a core needle or fine needle aspiration biopsies.
• Surgical Biopsy: Removes the most tissue but is generally avoided for breast cancer diagnosis to minimise surgery, as it's best to confirm cancer presence before extensive surgery.

Remember, early detection through these diagnostic methods is essential for better treatment outcomes. Regular breast examinations and mammograms can help identify potential issues early, leading to more effective treatments.

The right breast cancer treatment for a patient diagnosed with breast cancer depends on the type and stage of the disease, as well as a person’s overall health. Options may include breast cancer surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy. In some cases, more than one type of treatment is used.

Breast Cancer Surgery

Breast Cancer Surgery is commonly used to remove tumours or other abnormal tissue from the breast. The most common types are lumpectomy (removal of just the tumour) and mastectomy (removal of all or part of the breast). Depending on your situation, you may also need lymph nodes removed from under your arm in an operation called axillary lymph node dissection.

As part of breast cancer surgery, a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) may be performed. This procedure is designed to assess whether cancer has spread to the nearby lymph nodes. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is often preferred for its precision, as it specifically targets nodes most susceptible to cancer metastasis, minimising the invasiveness of the procedure compared to a complete lymph node dissection.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to attack cancer cells throughout your body. It can be given before surgery to shrink a tumour so that it can be removed with less extensive surgery, after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells, or instead of surgery if a tumour cannot be removed because it has grown into surrounding tissues and organs.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation uses high-powered energy beams such as X-rays and protons to destroy cancer cells while minimising harm to healthy tissue around them. Radiation Therapy is usually given after lumpectomy but sometimes after mastectomy too — especially if there's evidence that cancer has spread beyond the breast tissue itself into nearby lymph nodes or elsewhere in your body.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy works by blocking hormones like estrogen that fuel certain types of cancers, including those known as hormone receptor-positive cancers, which account for about two-thirds of all cases diagnosed each year in women in their 40s and older who have been through menopause already. This approach is typically combined with other treatments like chemotherapy, depending upon a woman’s specific diagnosis at hand.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapies target certain genes, mutations, protein receptors, etc., which help keep certain kinds of cancers growing unchecked. These treatments are often prescribed alongside chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapies when appropriate. They're designed specifically for patients whose tumours are driven by these particular changes within their bodies, e.g. HER2+ Breast Cancer.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapies work by stimulating our own immune system so it better recognises, identifies and attacks foreign substances like cancerous ones. Vaccines made from components found on surface molecules expressed by various types of cancers have been developed, and they are currently being tested in clinical trials. They Are showing promise promising results, particularly when combined with traditional approaches such as targeted therapies.

Placed among the most trusted breast cancer hospitals in India, Max Healthcare is committed to providing our patients with the best possible care for breast cancer. Our team of leading oncologists uses state-of-the-art technology and adheres to international standards to create individualised treatment plans that meet the specific needs of each patient. We understand that cancer can be a daunting diagnosis, but we are here to provide the support and guidance that each patient needs every step of the way.

Tumour Board

At Max Institute of Cancer Care (MICC), a team of experts from surgical oncology, radiation oncology, medical oncology, pathology, imaging, and related disciplines come together in the Tumour Board meetings to discuss various cases and form customised/ joint decisions and a treatment plan.

We believe that each patient and his/her disease is unique. Hence, our team of oncology experts prepare a 'personalised treatment plan' based on the discussions in Tumour Board conferences. We constantly review and improve our protocols and encourage the participation of our patients as well as caregivers to understand the disease and its treatment process.

At Max Institute of Cancer Care, we are committed to recuperating our patients as soon as possible. We firmly believe in delivering quality care, support and reassurance to our patients. Our dedicated team of leading Breast Cancer Oncologists provides the most advanced cancer treatments using cutting-edge technology based on International Standards. Breast cancer care requires medical professionals from different specialities to execute an individualised patient care plan for the best results collectively.

Problems related to the breast are many and range from benign diseases to cancer. Max Institute of Cancer Care is a close-knit unit which has world-class care by the best breast cancer specialists in breast cancer surgery, radiation oncology and medical oncology, supported efficiently by a well-equipped Nuclear Medicine and Radiology Department along with a dedicated team of pathologists.

The Breast DMG's Surgical Unit specialises in the entire range of breast surgeries, including breast conservation surgeries with Type 1 and II oncoplastic, mastectomies (simple, skin-sparing, nipple-sparing), sentinel lymph node biopsies, axillary dissections, etc. The doctors make it possible to detect breast cancer with the help of MRI mammograms and X-ray mammograms to detect breast lumps at an early stage, and Breast Biopsy for not only detecting the type of tumour but also receptor status. They specialise in Breast-Conserving Surgeries, Whole Breast reconstruction for patients who undergo mastectomy, and Conservative Axillary Dissection to prevent lymphedema onset. They have the latest radiation techniques, such as Accelerated Partial Breast Radiation (APBI), IGRT and Brachytherapy for treating breast cancer tumours.

The Max Breast Clinics provides a world of comprehensive breast care catering to the treatment of benign conditions like mastalgia, nipple discharge, infectious conditions, and benign lumps on the one hand and breast cancer on the other. The clinics are under the Department of Surgical Oncology, Max Institute of Cancer Care, which has vast experience in carrying out all possible breast cancer surgical procedures.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in India and around the world. Max Healthcare is one of India’s leading breast cancer hospitals offering world-class breast cancer treatments. The cost of breast cancer treatment in India will depend on a few factors, including:- 

• The staging and spread of the cancer
• Treatment protocols (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, gene therapy, hormone replacement therapy etc.)

We offer the best in breast cancer treatment technologies, state-of-the-art facilities, and treatment by empathetic teams of experts that include some of the most experienced oncologists in India, backed by peerless patient care.

Is it possible to have breast cancer without any symptoms?

Yes, it is possible to have breast cancer without any symptoms. This is why it is important for individuals to have regular mammograms and breast exams, even if there are no breast cancer symptoms.

What are the chances of recurrence after breast cancer treatment?

The risk of recurrence after breast cancer treatment depends on the cancer type, stage, and other factors. The risk of recurrence is highest in the first few years after treatment. However, it is important to remember that even if breast cancer does recur, it is often treatable.

What are the side effects of breast cancer treatment?

The side effects of breast cancer treatments vary depending on the specific therapy. Common side effects may include fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and changes in skin and nails. Your healthcare team can help manage these side effects.

What is the best breast cancer treatment?

Are there any genetic factors that cause breast cancer?

Yes, certain genetic mutations can increase the risk of breast cancer. The most well-known mutations are in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. However, it's essential to note that genetic factor is not the only cause of breast cancer, and in most cases, breast cancer occurs in people with no family history of the disease.

What is the cost of breast cancer treatment in India?

The cost of breast cancer treatment in India can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the stage of cancer, the type of treatment required (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, etc.), and the healthcare facility chosen. Max Healthcare provides a full range of breast cancer treatment options with a commitment to providing affordable and high-quality care.

Reviewed by Dr. Pankaj Kumar Pande, Associate Director - Surgical Oncology, Cancer Care / Oncology, Gastrointestinal & Hepatobiliary Oncology, Gastro Intestinal & Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgical Oncology on 09-Feb-2024.

• All You Need to know about Triple Negative Breast Cancer
• Spread Awareness about Breast Cancer
• 10 Breast Cancer FAQs
• 10 Myths about Breast Cancer
• Surgery for breast cancer is not always about removing breasts
• Something everyone should know about Cancer?