Comprehensive Breast Cancer Care
Breast cancer care is most effective when every step – from early detection to recovery – is thoughtfully connected.
At SSO Hospitals, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery are coordinated under one roof by experienced specialists. Our approach focuses on effective disease control while preserving physical function, confidence, and long-term quality of life.
Understanding breast cancer
Breast cancer develops when cells in the breast begin to grow abnormally. These cells may stay limited to the breast or spread to nearby lymph nodes and other organs. The disease’s behaviour and response to treatment depend largely on the tumour’s biology and the patient’s overall health.
At SSO Hospitals, we manage breast cancer as a single, connected course of care. Test results, imaging, pathology, and patient preferences are considered together to guide decisions.
Early and advanced signs
Early changes are often painless and subtle, while more advanced disease tends to produce clearer, visible signs as nearby tissues or lymph nodes become involved.
| Early signs | Advanced signs |
| A new lump or area of firmness in the breast or underarm | Persistent change in breast size or overall contour |
| Subtle change in breast shape or symmetry | Visible skin redness, thickening, or surface changes |
| Nipple discharge occurring without pressure | Long-standing nipple inversion or distortion |
| Mild skin puckering or dimpling | Swelling of the arm or hand due to lymph node movement |
Breast cancer staging is based on tumour size, involvement of nearby lymph nodes, and spread to distant organs.
Staging plays a central role in deciding treatment intensity and sequencing.
Stage 0 (Carcinoma in situ):
Cancer cells are confined to the milk ducts or lobules without invasion into surrounding breast tissue. There is no lymph node involvement or distant spread. Although non-invasive, treatment is recommended to prevent progression.
Stage I (Early invasive breast cancer):
Cancer cells have invaded surrounding breast tissue, but the tumour remains small in size. Lymph nodes are either not involved or show minimal microscopic disease. At this stage, outcomes are highly favourable with appropriately planned systemic treatment.
Stage II (Localised breast cancer with nodal involvement):
The tumour is larger and/or the cancer has spread to a limited number of nearby axillary lymph nodes. Treatment usually involves a combination of surgery, systemic therapy, and radiation.
Stage III (Locally advanced breast cancer):
Cancer involves multiple lymph nodes or extends to the chest wall or skin of the breast. Although there is no distant spread, treatment requires a coordinated approach using chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation to achieve effective local and regional disease control.
Stage IV (Metastatic breast cancer): Cancer has spread beyond the breast and regional lymph nodes to distant organs such as bone, liver, lungs, or brain. While not curable, modern systemic therapies aim to control disease, reduce symptoms, and maintain quality of life.
Invasive
Invasive ductal carcinoma (NST) – most common
Invasive lobular carcinoma
Special types: tubular, mucinous, medullary, papillary
Rare/aggressive: inflammatory, metaplastic
Non-Invasive
At SSO Hospitals, we use a stepwise, precise diagnostic approach that may include:
Mammography serves as the primary screening tool, detecting masses, distortions, and microcalcifications that may indicate early or pre-invasive disease.
Breast ultrasound further evaluates suspicious findings, differentiates solid from cystic lesions, and assesses nearby lymph nodes.
Breast MRI is used selectively to define disease spread, evaluate dense breasts, or assess high-risk and complex cases.
Tissue biopsy establishes the diagnosis, tumour grade, and hormone and HER2 receptor status essential for personalised therapy.
Causes and risk factors
- Family history and genetic mutations: A first-degree relative with breast cancer increases risk. Inherited mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 significantly raise lifetime risk.
- Hormonal and reproductive factors: Longer exposure to female hormones increases risk. This includes early periods, late menopause, or hormone therapy after menopause. Early pregnancy and breastfeeding can lower the risk over time.
- Body weight and metabolism: Obesity, particularly after menopause, increases breast cancer risk due to higher estrogen production from fat tissue and insulin-related growth signals.
- Physical inactivity and alcohol use: Sedentary lifestyle and alcohol intake are associated with increased risk. Even moderate alcohol consumption shows a dose-dependent rise in breast cancer.
- Radiation exposure: Radiation treatment to the chest at a young age, such as for previous cancers, increases future breast cancer risk. Higher exposure leads to higher risk.
- Age and breast density: Increasing age is one of the strongest risk factors. High breast density on imaging independently increases risk.
When Surgery is Needed
Surgery is advised when removing the tumour offers the best chance of local disease control.
How surgical decisions are made:
- Surgical planning considers tumour size, location, and spread within the breast, along with involvement of nearby lymph nodes.
- The overall stage of disease and response to systemic treatments are reviewed before deciding the extent of surgery.
- Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) is preferred when the tumour can be removed with clear margins.
- Mastectomy is recommended when the disease extent or tumour biology requires complete breast removal.
- Selective lymph node surgery is used to accurately stage disease while reducing the risk of arm-related complications.
Why SSO for
Breast Cancer Treatment?
Choosing where to receive cancer care is a deeply personal decision. At SSO Hospitals, our breast program is built around the depth of expertise and continuity of care.
We offer:
- Organ-specific breast surgeons dedicated exclusively to breast cancer
- Advanced oncoplastic techniques that preserve form without compromising cancer clearance
- Comprehensive breast reconstruction services
- Lymphedema prevention and rehabilitation planning
- Genetic counselling for inherited cancer risk
- Integrated emotional and physical recovery support
Our focus remains on treating the disease while respecting the person living through it.
Meet doctors who specialize in breast cancer
World class expertise, Empathetic treatment
Dr Jay Anam
M.S. (ORTHO.), D. ORTHO 15 years of experience 2000+ surgeries Bone and soft tissue tumors Limb Saving Surgery
Dr. Niharika Garach
MBBS, MS, MCh Surgical Oncology Breast Conservation | Oncoplasty | Cytoreductive Surgery | Gynaecological Cancer 7+ years of experience
Dr Imaan Rumani
MBBS, MS 5 years of experience Breast cancer, breast lumps, oncoplastic breast surgery, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, cervical cancer, S-Lympha Surgery.
Meet doctors who specialize in breast cancer
World class expertise, Empathetic treatment
Dr. Jay Anam
M.Ch. Surgical Oncology 8 years of experience 2000+ surgeries Breast Conservation Surgery Aesthetic Breast Surgery Oncoplastic to Retain Breast Shape
Dr. Niharika Garach
MBBS, MS, MCh Surgical Oncology 7 years of experience Breast cancer surgery, oncoplastic breast surgery, breast conservation, mastectomy, S-Lympha Surgery
Dr Imaan Rumani
MBBS, MS 5 years of experience Breast cancer, breast lumps, oncoplastic breast surgery, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, cervical cancer, S-Lympha Surgery.
Frequently asked questions
Can breast cancer come back after treatment?
Recurrence risk varies based on tumour biology and stage. Regular follow-up and surveillance significantly reduce the chance of late detection.
Is breast reconstruction safe after cancer surgery?
Yes, reconstruction is medically safe and can often be performed during the same operation, depending on treatment planning.
How is lymphedema managed after surgery?
Management includes physiotherapy, compression therapy, and specialised lymphatic drainage techniques tailored to individual risk.
When should breast cancer screening begin?
Routine screening is recommended after the age of 40, or earlier for individuals with additional risk factors.
What our patients say about us
Care, close to home
We have seven branches across Mumbai and Ahmedabad
Pick what's closest and we’ll match you to the right surgeon there.
