Breast Conserving Surgery
Surgery that removes the cancer but keeps the breast. The shape, the symmetry, the way it sits in clothes — these are things we plan for, not things we hope for.
Surgery that removes the cancer but keeps the breast. The shape, the symmetry, the way it sits in clothes — these are things we plan for, not things we hope for.
What is breast conserving surgery?
Breast conserving surgery removes the cancer along with a small rim of healthy tissue around it, then closes the breast carefully so it keeps its natural shape. Combined with radiation afterwards, it gives the same long-term cancer outcomes as removing the whole breast for most early cancers.
Not every cancer is suitable. The decision rests on the size and location of the tumour, the size of the breast, whether the cancer is in more than one place, and your own preferences.
Who this is for
- Early-stage breast cancer (most stage I and II)
- A single tumour rather than multiple separate ones
- A breast size that allows the lump to be removed with a good cosmetic result
- Willingness and ability to undergo radiation therapy after surgery
How it's done
Planning the incision
We mark the incision before surgery so it sits where it'll be least visible — along the natural skin lines, around the areola, or in the underarm crease where possible.
The operation
Through that incision, the cancer plus a margin of normal tissue (usually 1 to 2 cm) is removed. The breast is then reshaped using oncoplastic technique so the contour is preserved.
Lymph node check
A sentinel lymph node biopsy is usually done in the same operation to check whether the cancer has reached the underarm nodes.
Recovery & aftercare
First week
Most patients go home the same day or the next morning. Mild discomfort is managed with simple painkillers.
Radiation timeline
Radiation usually starts 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, once the wound has healed. The course is typically 3 to 4 weeks.
Questions worth asking
For early breast cancer, yes. Multiple long-term studies show equivalent survival. The radiation that follows is what makes the outcomes equal.
Not identical, but with careful technique most patients are happy with the result. Some asymmetry is normal; we plan to minimise it from the start.
Related care
All specialitiesBreast Cancer Surgery
Surgery for breast cancer, planned around your tumour and your life. Includes lumpectomy and mastectomy, with reconstruction discussed up front rather than as an afterthought.
Learn moreOncoplastic Breast Surgery
Combines the cancer surgery with the plastic-surgery technique that closes it well. One operation, one recovery, with the cosmetic result built in from the start.
Learn moreSentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Checks the one or two lymph nodes the cancer would reach first, before doing anything more. If they're clear, the rest stay where they are. Most patients keep full arm function and skip the swelling that used to come with bigger surgery.
Learn moreThe first consultation
is the first step.
Most concerns can be settled in a single, considered conversation. Reach out — answers usually come faster than you’d expect.
Hours
CK Birla Hospital
Mon – Sat: 10 AM – 3 PM
Clinic
Mon – Sat: 5 PM – 7 PM
Sunday: 8 AM – 10 AM
Visit
Medical D/C Center, Kalwar Rd,
Jhotwara, Jaipur 302012