Breast Conservation Surgery
at SSO Hospitals
Hearing “breast cancer” shifts everything, and suddenly you’re facing decisions you never expected to make. For many patients, breast conservation surgery is a viable choice that helps treat cancer without losing part of themselves.
If that’s an option for you, you’re probably wondering how it works, what recovery looks like, and where to get treated.
At SSO Hospitals, our surgical oncologists come with years of experience, helping you understand your choices and move forward with confidence.
Overview
Breast conservation surgery removes the cancerous tumour and a margin of healthy tissue around it, leaving the rest of your breast intact. It’s often followed by radiation therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence.
This approach works best for patients with early-stage breast cancer where the tumour is small relative to breast size. You’re likely a good candidate if the cancer hasn’t spread extensively and is located in one area that can be removed without significantly changing your breast shape.
Some other factors, like tumour size, location, breast size, and your overall health, also play a role in deciding suitability. Our team carefully assesses these details to help you understand whether this option makes sense for your case.
Breast conservation surgery isn't a one-size-fits-all procedure. The approach varies based on what your case needs, and here are the main types:
Wide local excision:
The tumour is removed along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure all cancer cells are cleared.
Partial mastectomy (segmental mastectomy):
A larger portion of breast tissue is removed along with the tumour, typically when the tumour is bigger or wider margins are needed.
Oncoplasty
This is an optional technique that can be combined with either procedure to reshape your remaining breast tissue after tumor removal to maintain a natural appearance without implants.
Before surgery, you'll have a preoperative consultation where we discuss the surgical plan, review your medical history, and answer any questions. You'll receive instructions on fasting and which medications to continue or pause.
On the day of surgery:
An IV line is placed for anaesthesia and fluids
TIf the lump can't be felt, the tumour site is marked using wire localisation or dye
You'll be given general anaesthesia so you're completely asleep during the procedure
SThen our surgeon makes a small incision near the tumour, removes it along with a margin of healthy tissue, and sends samples to pathology to check for clear margins. If needed, oncoplasty techniques can be used to improve the breast shape and appearance. The incision is then closed with sutures. The entire procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours.
After it’s done, you'll wake up in recovery with some soreness, swelling, and bruising - all normal. Most patients go home the same day.
The first few days may be uncomfortable, but we'll provide pain medication and clear instructions on wound care to help you through it. You can resume light activities within a few days, but avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 4 to 6 weeks.
Full recovery varies from person to person, but most patients feel back to normal within a month. Radiation therapy is a standard part of treatment and typically begins 3 to 4 weeks after surgery once the incision has healed. In some cases, chemotherapy may be given before radiation.
Our team schedules follow-up appointments to monitor your healing, review pathology results, and discuss the next steps in your care. We're here for you throughout the process to make your recovery as comfortable as possible.
Risks and Complications
Like any surgery, breast conservation comes with some risks. Most are rare and manageable, and our team takes precautions to minimise them:
- Bleeding or infection at the surgical site
- Changes in breast shape or size, depending on how much tissue is removed
- Scarring around the incision area
- Numbness or tingling in the breast or underarm, which may be temporary or permanent
- Seroma (fluid collection under the skin) that may need draining
- Positive margins require a second surgery to remove more tissue
- Lymphedema (swelling in the arm) if lymph nodes are removed
We monitor you closely during recovery and address any concerns immediately.
Why Choose SSO Hospitals?
At SSO Hospital, we approach breast conservation with precision and personalised care. We have a team of surgeons specialising solely in breast oncology, bringing deep expertise to every case.
With over 70,000 cancer surgeries performed, we focus on offering the best possible outcomes while preserving your breast.
Our multidisciplinary team, including surgical oncologists, physiotherapists, dietitians, and care coordinators, ensures comprehensive care. We’re empanelled with all major insurers and ensure minimal paperwork, so you can put your energy where it matters most – your recovery and well-being.
Meet our Specialists
World class expertise, Empathetic treatment
Dr. Jay Anam
M.Ch. Surgical Oncology Breast Conservation | S Lympha | Aesthetic Reconstruction | Oncoplasty 8+ years of experience
Dr. Niharika Garach
MBBS, MS, MCh Surgical Oncology Breast Conservation | Oncoplasty | Cytoreductive Surgery | Gynaecological Cancer 7+ years of experience
Meet our Specialists
World class expertise, Empathetic treatment
Dr. Jay Anam
M.Ch. Surgical Oncology
Breast Conservation | S Lympha | Aesthetic Reconstruction | Oncoplasty
8+ years of experience
Dr. Niharika Garach
MBBS, MS, MCh Surgical Oncology
Breast Conservation | Oncoplasty | Cytoreductive Surgery | Gynaecological Cancer
7+ years of experience
Frequently asked questions
1. How soon can I return to work after breast conservation surgery?
Most patients return to desk jobs within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on how they feel. Jobs requiring physical activity or heavy lifting may need 4 to 6 weeks.
2. Will I need radiation therapy after the surgery?
In most cases, yes. Radiation typically begins 4 to 6 weeks after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer returning, once your incision has healed.
3. How will my breast look after the surgery?
Most patients see minimal change, especially with smaller tumours. Some asymmetry or scarring may occur, but our goal is to preserve your breast’s natural appearance as much as possible.
4. When should I call the doctor after surgery?
Watch for unusual swelling, persistent redness, or bleeding around the incision. Avoid heavy lifting for a few months and follow all wound care instructions carefully.
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.
