Breast - SSO Hospitals

Overview

What Is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer develops when abnormal cells in breast tissue grow and divide in an uncontrolled way. It can begin in different parts of the breast, including the milk ducts or lobules, and may remain within the breast or spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body. The type and characteristics of the cancer help determine the treatment approach.

Breast cancer is not one single disease. Its treatment depends on the type of cancer, stage, tumour biology and individual patient factors. At SSO Hospitals, our breast oncology specialists provide personalised treatment planning, including breast-conserving surgery, mastectomy, sentinel lymph node procedures, oncoplastic surgery and reconstruction where appropriate. Surgical treatment is coordinated with other cancer therapies when required.

How it starts:

Abnormal Cell Growth: Changes in the DNA of breast cells can cause cells to grow and divide abnormally.
Tumour Formation: Abnormal cells may form a tumour within the breast tissue.
Local Invasion: Some breast cancers can grow beyond their original location into surrounding breast tissue.
Lymph Node Involvement: Cancer cells may spread to nearby lymph nodes, particularly those in the armpit.
Distant Spread: In advanced disease, cancer cells may spread to distant organs. This is known as metastatic or Stage IV breast cancer.

Symptoms

Breast Cancer Symptoms

A new lump or change in the breast is one of the most common warning signs. However, early breast cancer may cause no symptoms, which is why appropriate screening and evaluation of persistent breast changes are important.

Clinical picture

Stages, types and how we diagnose

Breast cancer staging describes how extensive the cancer is and whether it has spread beyond the original tumour. Staging considers factors such as tumour size and location, lymph node involvement, distant spread, tumour grade and certain biomarkers. Breast cancer is generally classified from Stage 0 to Stage IV.

0Stage

Stage 0

Abnormal cells are present but have not invaded surrounding breast tissue. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is an example of Stage 0 breast disease.

Breast cancer staging is more detailed than simply assigning a number from 0 to IV. Doctors also consider TNM findings, tumour grade, hormone-receptor status, HER2 status and, in selected cases, genomic testing. These factors help guide treatment decisions.

Breast cancer includes several different types and biological subtypes. The origin of the cancer and the presence or absence of biomarkers such as ER, PR and HER2 can influence treatment.

01

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)

The most common type of invasive breast cancer. It begins in the cells lining the milk ducts and grows beyond the duct into surrounding breast tissue.

02

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)

Begins in the milk-producing lobules and grows into surrounding breast tissue.

03

Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS)

Abnormal cells are confined to the lining of the milk ducts and have not invaded surrounding breast tissue.

04

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

A less common and more aggressive form that can cause redness, swelling and changes in the appearance of the breast.

05

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

A breast cancer that does not have estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors or high levels of HER2. Its treatment differs from hormone-receptor-positive or HER2-positive cancers.

06

HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

Breast cancer cells have higher-than-normal levels of the HER2 protein. HER2-directed therapies may be considered as part of treatment.

07

Hormone-Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer

Cancer cells have receptors for hormones such as estrogen and/or progesterone. Hormone therapy may form part of treatment for appropriate patients.

Breast cancer diagnosis usually begins with a clinical assessment and appropriate breast imaging. If an abnormal area is identified, a biopsy may be recommended. A biopsy is the definitive way to determine whether abnormal breast tissue contains cancer cells. Additional testing of the tumour can help determine its biological characteristics and guide treatment planning.

Clinical Breast Examination

Your doctor examines the breast and nearby lymph-node areas and reviews your symptoms and personal and family history.

Mammography

A diagnostic mammogram uses X-rays to examine the breast and investigate a lump, symptom or abnormal screening finding.

Breast Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the breast and may help evaluate a lump or other abnormal area.

Breast MRI

MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of breast tissue and may be recommended in selected situations.

Biopsy

A sample of breast tissue is removed and examined by a pathologist. Biopsy is the only definitive way to establish whether an abnormal area is breast cancer.

Biomarker Testing

If cancer is confirmed, the tumour may be tested for estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, HER2 and other relevant biomarkers to help guide treatment.

Not every patient needs every test. The investigations recommended depend on the breast finding, symptoms, clinical history and previous results.

Risk & treatment

Breast Cancer Surgery

Surgery may involve removing the tumour while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as appropriate, or removing the entire breast through mastectomy. The choice depends on factors such as tumour size, location, number of tumour sites, breast size, previous treatment and patient preference. Sentinel lymph node biopsy may also be performed to assess whether cancer has reached nearby lymph nodes.

01

Age: The risk of breast cancer generally increases with age.

02

Family History

Having close relatives with breast cancer can increase risk.

03

Genetic Changes

Inherited changes in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 can increase risk.

04

Previous Radiation

Radiation exposure to the chest, particularly at a young age, can increase risk.

05

Breast Density

Dense breasts are associated with increased risk and can also make cancer harder to detect on mammography.

06

Hormonal & Reproductive Factors

Certain reproductive and hormonal factors can influence risk.

07

Alcohol & Body Weight

Alcohol consumption and excess body weight, particularly after menopause, are among potentially modifiable risk factors.** Having a risk factor does not mean that a person will develop breast cancer, and some people develop breast cancer without a known risk factor.

Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer treatment depends on the cancer's type, stage, tumour biology, biomarker status and the patient's overall health and preferences. Treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy or a combination of approaches. Treatment may be given before surgery, after surgery or as the primary treatment depending on the individual case.

Breast Cancer Treatment

01

Breast Cancer Surgery

Surgery may involve removing the tumour while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as appropriate, or removing the entire breast through mastectomy. The choice depends on factors such as tumour size, location, number of tumour sites, breast size, previous treatment and patient preference. Sentinel lymph node biopsy may also be performed to assess whether cancer has reached nearby lymph nodes.

02

Oncoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Oncoplastic breast surgery combines cancer removal with techniques designed to preserve or improve breast shape. For patients undergoing mastectomy, breast reconstruction may be performed at the same time or at a later stage, depending on the patient's treatment plan and suitability.

The sequence and combination of treatments are individualised. Your breast cancer team will consider pathology, stage, biomarkers, imaging, overall health and other factors before recommending a treatment plan.

Why SSO?

Why Choose SSO Hospitals for Breast Cancer Treatment?

Breast cancer treatment requires decisions that consider both cancer control and the patient's individual needs. At SSO Hospitals, our breast oncology specialists combine focused surgical expertise with multidisciplinary treatment planning.

Dedicated Breast Oncology Expertise: Access specialists focused on the surgical management of breast cancer and related conditions.
Breast-Conserving Approaches: When clinically appropriate, treatment planning may consider breast-conserving surgery rather than removal of the entire breast.
Oncoplastic & Reconstructive Surgery: Oncoplastic and reconstructive techniques may be considered alongside or after cancer surgery, depending on the patient's treatment plan.
Lymph Node Management: Appropriate patients may undergo sentinel lymph node biopsy or other lymph-node procedures as part of surgical treatment.
Multidisciplinary Care: Breast surgeons may work with medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, pathology, genetics and other specialists when required.
Personalised Treatment Planning: Treatment is based on the individual cancer type, stage, tumour biology and patient's clinical circumstances.

The most appropriate treatment differs from one patient to another. Our specialists review the diagnosis, imaging and pathology before recommending the next step.

Meet all our doctors

A doctor visiting a patient recovering with family at bedside

Our specialists

Consult Our Breast Cancer Specialists

Meet our breast oncology specialists across SSO Hospitals. Each doctor's profile provides information about their qualifications, areas of expertise and consultation locations.

21+ Yrs

Dr. Sanket Mehta

Gastrointestinal Oncology · Gynaecological Oncology · Cytoreductive Surgery · HIPEC · PIPAC

SSO Cancer Hospital Ghatkopar West, Charni Road & SRCC

Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Care

What Is Breast Cancer?

Breast Cancer Symptoms

Stages, types and how we diagnose

Stage 0

Stage I

Stage II

Stage III

Stage IV

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)

Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS)

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

Hormone-Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer

Clinical Breast Examination

Mammography

Breast Ultrasound

Breast MRI

Biopsy

Biomarker Testing

Breast Cancer Surgery

Age: The risk of breast cancer generally increases with age.

Family History

Genetic Changes

Previous Radiation

Breast Density

Hormonal & Reproductive Factors

Alcohol & Body Weight

Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast Cancer Surgery

Oncoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Why Choose SSO Hospitals for Breast Cancer Treatment?

Consult Our Breast Cancer Specialists

Frequently asked questions

What our patients say about us

Care, close to home

SSO Ghatkopar

SSO Thane

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SSO Charni Road

SRCC

Belagavi

Ahmedabad