Type of Breast Cancer
The pathology identifies the type and characteristics of the breast cancer and helps guide subsequent treatment decisions.
Breast cancer treatment is planned according to the type of breast cancer, stage of disease, tumour characteristics, hormone receptor status, HER2 status, overall health and individual treatment goals. At Precision Oncology Clinic, medical, surgical and radiation oncology expertise can be brought together to develop an individualised treatment plan.
Breast cancer develops when abnormal cells in breast tissue grow in an uncontrolled way. Breast cancer is not one single disease; different breast cancers can have different biological characteristics and may respond differently to treatment.
Accurate diagnosis is therefore an important first step. The clinical team may consider the pathology report, tumour type, grade, lymph-node status, stage and relevant biomarkers when developing a treatment plan.
Depending on the individual diagnosis, treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy or combinations of these approaches.
At Precision Oncology Clinic in Bangalore, treatment planning brings together medical oncology, surgical oncology and radiation oncology expertise when multidisciplinary care is appropriate.
Treatment recommendations are based on the individual cancer rather than the diagnosis alone. Several clinical and pathological factors may influence the treatment strategy.
The pathology identifies the type and characteristics of the breast cancer and helps guide subsequent treatment decisions.
Staging helps determine whether the cancer is confined to the breast, involves nearby lymph nodes or has spread elsewhere.
Oestrogen and progesterone receptor information can influence whether hormone therapy forms part of treatment.
HER2 testing can help identify patients who may be candidates for HER2-directed treatment.
Tumour grade, size, lymph-node involvement and other pathological findings may influence treatment planning.
Age, general health, previous treatment, other medical conditions and individual treatment goals may also be considered.
Breast cancer may require more than one type of treatment. The role of surgery, systemic therapy and radiation can change according to the cancer's biology, stage and response to treatment.
Surgical assessment determines whether an operation is appropriate and which surgical approach may be suitable for the individual cancer.
Medical oncology evaluates systemic treatments such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy where clinically appropriate.
Radiation oncology assesses whether radiation therapy has a role and develops an appropriate radiation treatment plan when indicated.
This page is intended to provide general educational information about breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Individual treatment decisions require assessment by a qualified oncology specialist after reviewing the patient's clinical history, pathology and relevant investigations.
Breast cancer can cause changes in the breast, nipple or nearby lymph nodes. However, many breast changes are caused by conditions that are not cancer. Knowing what is normal for you and seeking medical evaluation when you notice a new or persistent change can help ensure that the right diagnosis is made.
A new breast or underarm change does not necessarily mean cancer. However, unusual or persistent changes should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.
A new lump, firm area or thickening in the breast or underarm can be a reason for medical evaluation. Many breast lumps are benign, but a new or unusual lump should not be self-diagnosed.
A noticeable change in the size, contour or shape of one breast or both breasts may need assessment, particularly when the change is new or unexplained.
New dimpling, puckering or an indentation in the breast skin can be associated with an underlying breast abnormality and should be evaluated.
Changes such as a newly inverted nipple, a change in nipple direction or an unusual change in the appearance of the nipple may require further assessment.
Nipple discharge that is not related to breastfeeding or another known cause should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Discharge containing blood requires appropriate evaluation.
New redness, darkening, scaling, thickening, swelling, rash or an orange-peel-like appearance of the breast skin can be signs that need medical assessment.
Swelling of part or all of the breast, or a new swelling or lump around the underarm or collarbone, should be evaluated if it is unusual for you.
Breast pain is not usually caused by breast cancer and commonly has other explanations. Persistent or unexplained pain, especially when accompanied by another breast change, should still be discussed with a healthcare professional.
A new lump or swelling under the arm or near the collarbone can sometimes be associated with changes in nearby lymph nodes and should be assessed.
If you notice a new lump, swelling, nipple change, discharge, skin change or another breast or underarm change that is unusual for you, arrange a clinical evaluation. A recent normal mammogram does not mean that a new breast change should automatically be ignored.
Breast lumps, pain, cysts and other changes can occur for several reasons, including benign breast conditions and hormonal changes. Many breast changes are not cancer.
The important step is not to assume what a change means, but to have an appropriate clinical assessment when needed.
Depending on the symptoms and clinical findings, a doctor may recommend breast imaging or other investigations to understand the cause of a breast change.
If an abnormal area requires further investigation, a biopsy may be recommended. A biopsy is used to determine whether abnormal tissue is cancerous. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Avoid trying to determine the cause of a breast change from the symptom alone. A structured medical evaluation can help identify whether further testing is required.
Screening is intended to look for breast cancer before symptoms develop in people who meet the criteria for screening. Diagnostic evaluation is different: it investigates a symptom or an abnormal finding.
Because early breast cancer may not cause symptoms, appropriate screening remains an important part of early detection. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
If you have a new breast lump, nipple change, discharge, skin change or another unusual symptom, a clinical assessment can help determine what should be investigated next.
Medical information: This page provides general educational information and is not a substitute for an examination, diagnosis or personalised medical advice. Breast symptoms can have several causes. If you notice a new or persistent change, consult an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
Diagnosing breast cancer is a step-by-step process. Doctors consider your symptoms, clinical examination, medical and family history, imaging findings and, when required, tissue obtained through a biopsy. If cancer is confirmed, pathology and biomarker testing help define the characteristics of the tumour and guide treatment planning.
The exact sequence varies from person to person. Some people may need only selected investigations, while others may require additional imaging, biopsy, pathology and staging tests.
The doctor reviews symptoms, personal and family history and performs a clinical examination of the breast and relevant lymph-node areas.
Depending on the clinical situation, imaging such as diagnostic mammography, ultrasound or breast MRI may be recommended.
If an imaging finding requires confirmation, a biopsy can obtain tissue for microscopic examination by a pathologist.
When cancer is confirmed, pathology, biomarkers and staging information help the oncology team develop an appropriate treatment strategy.
Imaging helps doctors examine an area of concern and determine whether further investigation is needed. The appropriate test depends on the person's age, symptoms, clinical findings and the nature of the abnormality.
Mammography uses X-rays to create images of the breast. A diagnostic mammogram may provide more detailed images of an area that has raised concern because of symptoms or a previous finding.
Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of breast tissue. It can help evaluate a lump or another area seen or felt during clinical assessment and can complement mammography.
Breast MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images. It may be recommended in selected clinical situations rather than routinely for every breast concern.
If imaging or clinical findings show an abnormal area that needs further investigation, a biopsy may be recommended.
During a biopsy, a sample of breast tissue or cells is obtained and examined by a pathologist under a microscope. The pathology report can establish whether cancer is present and provide important information about the tumour.
A biopsy does not automatically mean that cancer is present. Many biopsied breast abnormalities are not cancerous.
Breast cancer is not one single biological disease. Once cancer is confirmed, the pathology report and biomarker tests help the oncology team understand important features of the tumour and which treatment approaches may be relevant.
Estrogen receptor status indicates whether the cancer cells have estrogen receptors. ER results can help determine whether endocrine or hormone therapy may be appropriate.
Progesterone receptor status is assessed alongside ER status and contributes to understanding the hormone sensitivity of the cancer.
HER2 testing identifies whether the tumour has increased HER2 protein or related gene amplification. This can influence the use of HER2-targeted treatment.
Tumour grade describes how abnormal the cancer cells look under the microscope and provides information about their biological behaviour.
Staging describes the extent of cancer in the body. For breast cancer, doctors consider the primary tumour, nearby lymph nodes and whether cancer has spread to distant parts of the body. Tumour grade and biomarker information also contribute to breast cancer stage grouping.
Describes the size and extent of the primary breast tumour and whether it has grown into nearby structures.
Describes whether nearby lymph nodes contain cancer and the extent of any lymph-node involvement.
Indicates whether cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, which is referred to as metastasis.
Grade describes how abnormal the cancer cells appear under the microscope and contributes to overall disease classification.
Treatment decisions are based on more than the presence of a breast tumour. The oncology team considers the type of breast cancer, stage, tumour biology, biomarkers, overall health and individual treatment goals.
If you have received an abnormal imaging report, biopsy report or breast cancer diagnosis, a specialist oncology consultation can help you understand the findings and the next steps in your care.
Medical information: This page provides general educational information and is not a substitute for medical examination, diagnosis or personalised treatment advice. The investigations required for breast symptoms vary according to individual clinical circumstances. Your treating doctor will determine which tests are appropriate.
Breast cancer treatment is not the same for every patient. The treatment plan depends on the type and stage of breast cancer, tumour biology, ER and PR status, HER2 status, lymph-node involvement, overall health and other individual factors.
Depending on the cancer subtype and stage, treatment may include one therapy or a combination of local and systemic treatments.
Surgery removes the breast tumour and, when appropriate, assesses nearby lymph nodes. Options can include breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy depending on the clinical situation.
Surgical OncologyRadiation uses high-energy radiation to treat cancer cells in a specific area. It may be recommended after surgery or in selected other clinical situations.
Radiation OncologyChemotherapy uses medicines that travel through the body to destroy or control cancer cells. It may be given before surgery, after surgery or for advanced disease depending on the situation.
Medical OncologyHormone or endocrine therapy is used for hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers. It works by reducing the effect of hormones that can stimulate cancer growth.
ER / PR PositiveTargeted medicines may be used when biomarker testing identifies HER2-positive disease or other treatment-relevant tumour features.
Biomarker GuidedImmunotherapy may be considered for selected breast cancers, including certain triple-negative breast cancers, based on the clinical situation and relevant testing.
Selected PatientsLocal treatments focus on the breast or a defined area where cancer is present.
Systemic treatments use medicines that can reach cancer cells throughout the body.
Surgery is an important treatment for many people with early-stage and locally advanced breast cancer. The appropriate procedure depends on tumour characteristics, breast anatomy, stage and other clinical factors. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Also called lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, this procedure removes the cancer together with an appropriate margin of surrounding tissue while preserving much of the breast.
Mastectomy involves removal of breast tissue. Different types of mastectomy may be considered depending on the cancer and the patient's clinical circumstances.
Sentinel lymph-node biopsy or axillary lymph-node surgery may be recommended to assess whether nearby lymph nodes contain cancer.
Systemic treatment is selected according to cancer subtype, biomarkers, stage, previous treatment and the overall clinical picture.
Chemotherapy may be recommended when there is a significant benefit expected from systemic treatment. It can be used before surgery to reduce tumour burden or after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence in appropriate patients. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Hormone therapy is used for hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. It may be given after surgery, before surgery in selected circumstances, or for advanced disease. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
When a tumour is HER2-positive, HER2-directed medicines may form part of treatment. The timing and combination depend on stage, previous treatment and other tumour characteristics. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Immunotherapy is used in selected breast cancers, particularly certain triple-negative breast cancers. Its use depends on the cancer setting and relevant clinical and biomarker information. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Biomarker results help the oncology team understand which systemic treatments may be relevant. They are considered together with stage, tumour characteristics and the patient's overall health.
| Breast Cancer Feature | How It Can Influence Treatment Planning |
|---|---|
| Hormone-receptor positive | Endocrine therapy may form an important part of treatment. Additional chemotherapy or targeted treatment may be considered depending on stage, risk and other tumour characteristics. |
| HER2-positive | HER2-targeted therapy may be incorporated into the treatment plan, often alongside other systemic treatment depending on the stage and clinical setting. |
| Triple-negative | Because the tumour lacks ER, PR and HER2 expression, hormone therapy and HER2-targeted treatment are not used for the same purpose. Chemotherapy and, in selected settings, immunotherapy or other systemic approaches may be considered. |
| Additional molecular findings | Selected patients may undergo additional molecular or genetic testing when the result could influence treatment or clinical decision-making. |
Breast cancer treatment can involve different oncology specialists. Bringing the relevant disciplines together helps align surgery, systemic treatment and radiation with the patient's diagnosis, pathology and treatment goals.
There is no single treatment sequence that applies to everyone. Your oncology team considers multiple clinical and personal factors before recommending treatment.
A specialist consultation can help you understand your pathology, stage, biomarkers and the treatment options relevant to your individual diagnosis.
Medical information: This page provides general educational information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Breast cancer treatment varies according to cancer type, stage, tumour biology, biomarkers, overall health and other individual circumstances. Treatment decisions should be made with your treating oncology team.
Surgery is an important part of treatment for many people with breast cancer. The main surgical approaches are breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy. Surgery may also include assessment of nearby lymph nodes and, in selected patients, breast reconstruction or oncoplastic techniques.
For many people with early-stage breast cancer, either breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy may be considered. The choice depends on the cancer, breast anatomy, treatment plan and individual circumstances.
Also called lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, this operation removes the cancer together with a margin of surrounding tissue while preserving much of the breast.
For appropriate patients, breast-conserving surgery is commonly followed by radiation therapy to the breast.
The final decision depends on tumour characteristics, imaging, pathology and the patient's ability to receive the treatments recommended as part of the complete treatment plan.
Mastectomy removes the breast containing the cancer. Different forms of mastectomy may be appropriate depending on the cancer and the patient's circumstances.
Mastectomy may be considered when breast-conserving surgery is not appropriate, when there are multiple tumours, when the tumour is large relative to breast size, or for other clinical or personal reasons.
Breast reconstruction can be performed at the same time as mastectomy or at a later stage in selected patients.
A surgical plan is developed after reviewing the diagnosis, imaging, pathology and overall treatment strategy.
The size of the tumour relative to the size of the breast can influence whether breast-conserving surgery is feasible.
The position of the tumour within the breast can affect the surgical approach and the amount of tissue that needs to be removed.
Multiple areas of cancer within the breast may influence whether breast conservation is appropriate.
The type, stage and extent of breast cancer are important in selecting the local treatment approach.
Previous surgery or radiation treatment to the breast or chest can influence subsequent surgical options.
Surgery is considered alongside systemic therapy, radiation and other treatments that may form part of the complete care plan.
Breast cancer can spread from the breast to nearby lymph nodes. Assessing the lymph nodes can provide important information about the stage of the cancer and help guide subsequent treatment.
The extent of lymph-node surgery depends on the clinical findings, imaging, biopsy results and the overall treatment plan. Sentinel lymph-node biopsy is used in many early-stage situations, while more extensive axillary surgery is reserved for selected cases. ([cancer.org](https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery-for-breast-cancer/lymph-node-surgery-for-breast-cancer.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
The sentinel lymph nodes are the first lymph nodes to which cancer cells are most likely to spread. A surgeon identifies and removes these selected nodes for pathological examination.
Because only a small number of nodes are usually removed, this approach can reduce the extent of lymph-node surgery and its associated risks in appropriate patients.
Axillary lymph-node dissection removes a larger number of lymph nodes from the underarm area. It may be considered when lymph nodes are known or strongly suspected to contain cancer in situations where more extensive assessment or treatment is appropriate.
It is not required for every person with breast cancer.
A substance used to identify lymphatic drainage is introduced into the breast or nearby area. The surgeon then identifies the first draining lymph nodes and removes them for examination by a pathologist.
Breast cancer surgery can sometimes be planned with techniques that consider both cancer removal and breast shape. Reconstruction is a separate decision and may be performed immediately or at a later stage depending on the individual treatment plan.
Oncoplastic techniques combine cancer surgery with plastic-surgery principles to reshape or rearrange breast tissue when appropriate. This can be considered during selected breast-conserving procedures.
Reconstruction may begin during the same operation as a mastectomy. The suitability of immediate reconstruction depends on the cancer, planned treatments and the patient's circumstances.
Reconstruction can also be performed after the mastectomy and other cancer treatments have been completed. Some patients may instead choose a flat closure or use a breast prosthesis.
Surgery does not always happen first. Depending on the cancer subtype and stage, systemic treatment may be given before surgery, after surgery, or both as part of the overall treatment strategy.
Recovery varies according to the type of operation, lymph-node procedure, reconstruction and other treatments that form part of the cancer care plan.
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer or have received a biopsy report recommending surgery, a surgical oncology consultation can help you understand the procedure, lymph-node assessment and how surgery fits into your overall treatment plan.
Medical information: This page provides general educational information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. The appropriate breast cancer operation depends on individual diagnosis, imaging, pathology, stage, tumour characteristics and the overall treatment plan.
Breast cancer treatment may involve medicines that work throughout the body and radiation therapy directed at specific areas. The combination and sequence are determined by the cancer subtype, stage, tumour biology, biomarkers, previous treatment and individual clinical factors.
Different medicines work in different ways. Their use is guided by the biology and stage of the breast cancer.
Chemotherapy uses medicines that kill cancer cells or stop them from dividing. It may be used before surgery, after surgery or for advanced breast cancer in appropriate patients.
Endocrine or hormone therapy is used for hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers and works by reducing the effect of hormones on cancer cells.
Targeted medicines can be used when tumour testing identifies HER2-positive disease or another treatment-relevant biomarker.
Immunotherapy may be used in selected breast cancers, particularly certain triple-negative breast cancers, according to the clinical setting and relevant testing.
Targeted therapies act on specific molecular features or pathways involved in cancer growth and may be used when appropriate biomarkers are present.
Radiation therapy treats a defined area and may be recommended after surgery or in selected situations involving locally advanced or metastatic disease.
Chemotherapy is not required for everyone with breast cancer. The expected benefit depends on tumour subtype, stage, grade, lymph-node involvement and other tumour characteristics.
In selected early-stage cancers, multigene tests may help the oncology team estimate whether chemotherapy is likely to provide meaningful benefit.
Chemotherapy can be given before surgery, known as neoadjuvant treatment, or after surgery, known as adjuvant treatment.
Biomarker testing helps identify whether particular systemic treatments are relevant to a person's breast cancer.
If cancer cells contain estrogen or progesterone receptors, endocrine therapy may be recommended. It can be used after surgery, before surgery in selected circumstances, or for recurrent or metastatic disease.
HER2-targeted medicines may be incorporated into treatment when testing identifies HER2-positive disease. Treatment can be given before or after surgery or in other clinical settings as appropriate.
In selected situations, additional molecular or genetic findings may identify treatment options such as targeted medicines.
A biomarker result is considered together with stage, previous treatment, overall health and other clinical information rather than being interpreted in isolation.
Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognise and fight cancer. It is used selectively in breast cancer rather than as a treatment for every subtype.
In particular, immunotherapy may be used for certain triple-negative breast cancers. Depending on the clinical setting, it can be given with chemotherapy before surgery, after surgery, or with chemotherapy for selected recurrent or metastatic disease. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to treat cancer cells in a defined area. Whether radiation is recommended depends on the type and stage of breast cancer, the surgery performed, lymph-node findings and other clinical factors.
Radiation to the remaining breast tissue is commonly part of the treatment plan after breast-conserving surgery for appropriate patients.
Some patients may need radiation to the chest wall and/or regional lymph-node areas after mastectomy, depending on tumour size, lymph-node involvement and other pathology findings.
Radiation can also be used in selected locally advanced or metastatic settings, including treatment of areas causing pain or other symptoms.
The radiation oncologist selects the appropriate technique based on the treatment area, anatomy, dose requirements and the need to protect nearby healthy tissues.
For some breast cancers, treatment begins with systemic therapy before surgery. This is called neoadjuvant treatment. The approach can be useful when reducing the tumour before surgery or assessing treatment response is clinically important.
Cancer treatment can cause side effects that vary according to the medicines, radiation technique and individual response. Your oncology team monitors treatment and provides supportive care when needed.
Breast cancer treatment may involve several oncology disciplines. At Precision Oncology Clinic, treatment planning can be coordinated across surgical oncology, medical oncology and radiation oncology according to the patient's diagnosis and treatment requirements.
Your pathology, stage and biomarker results provide the foundation for deciding whether surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation or a combination of treatments is appropriate.
Medical information: This page provides general educational information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. The choice, timing and combination of cancer treatments depend on the individual diagnosis, stage, tumour biology, biomarkers, previous treatment and overall health. Treatment decisions should be made with the treating oncology team.
Breast cancer treatment is planned around the individual rather than using one treatment approach for everyone. Your care plan may consider the type and stage of breast cancer, pathology findings, hormone receptor and HER2 status, imaging, overall health, previous treatment and your treatment goals.
At Precision Oncology Clinic, breast cancer care can involve coordination between surgical oncology, medical oncology and radiation oncology so that different aspects of treatment are considered together.
The exact pathway varies from person to person, but treatment planning commonly develops through several connected stages.
Your medical history, symptoms, previous investigations and current concerns are reviewed. The aim is to understand the complete clinical picture before discussing treatment options.
Biopsy or surgical pathology, imaging reports and relevant laboratory results help establish the characteristics and extent of the disease.
The treatment sequence is discussed according to cancer type, stage, tumour biology, treatment goals and the individual's circumstances.
Depending on the clinical situation, treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy or combinations of these approaches.
Your oncology team monitors treatment response, overall health and treatment-related effects and may adjust the care plan when clinically appropriate.
After active treatment, follow-up focuses on ongoing health, surveillance, management of treatment effects and appropriate screening or investigations.
Different oncology specialists may contribute at different stages of treatment. Their roles depend on the diagnosis and the treatment plan.
Consultant Surgical Oncologist
Consultant Medical Oncologist & Haematologist
Consultant Radiation Oncologist
Some people choose to seek a second medical opinion after a cancer diagnosis or before starting treatment. A second opinion allows another specialist to review the diagnosis, pathology, imaging and proposed treatment plan.
The second specialist may agree with the existing plan, suggest a modification or discuss another appropriate treatment approach.
A second opinion is a personal healthcare decision and should be considered in the context of the urgency of treatment and advice from your treating doctor.
Having your previous medical information available can help your oncology team understand your diagnosis and treatment history.
Clear communication with your oncology team is an important part of navigating treatment.
Ask what each treatment is intended to do and where it fits within the overall treatment sequence.
Tell your healthcare team about new or worsening symptoms and treatment-related side effects.
Maintain copies of pathology, imaging, treatment summaries and relevant medical records for future appointments.
Ask about treatment goals, expected effects, follow-up and anything you do not understand.
Follow-up care continues after active cancer treatment. The exact schedule and investigations depend on the type and stage of breast cancer, treatments received and individual health needs.
Your follow-up plan may include clinical examinations, breast imaging and other investigations when medically appropriate.
Follow-up also provides an opportunity to discuss treatment-related effects, general health and concerns about recurrence or long-term wellbeing.
Effective cancer care depends on accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment selection, communication and continued clinical follow-up.
If you have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, are reviewing treatment options or would like your existing reports assessed, consultation with an oncology specialist can help you understand the next steps.
Clear answers to common questions about breast cancer symptoms, diagnosis, biomarkers, surgery, systemic treatment, radiation, multidisciplinary care and second opinions.
Breast cancer may cause a new lump or thickened area in the breast or underarm, a change in breast size or shape, nipple changes or discharge, skin redness, swelling, dimpling or puckering. Early breast cancer can also have no symptoms, which is why recommended screening is important.
No. Many breast changes and lumps are caused by conditions that are not cancer. However, a new or unusual breast lump or persistent breast change should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional rather than being diagnosed at home.
Diagnosis may involve a clinical examination, breast imaging such as mammography, ultrasound or MRI, and a biopsy when tissue diagnosis is required. Pathology and other tests then help determine the type and characteristics of the cancer.
A biopsy is commonly used when a tissue diagnosis is needed to confirm breast cancer. The tissue obtained through biopsy or surgery can also be examined for important tumour characteristics and biomarkers that help guide treatment.
Treatment planning can consider the cancer type and stage, pathology findings, tumour grade, lymph-node involvement, hormone receptor status, HER2 status and other relevant tumour or patient factors. Additional molecular or genetic tests may be appropriate in selected situations.
ER and PR refer to oestrogen and progesterone receptors found on some breast cancer cells. HER2 is a protein that can be present at higher levels in some breast cancers. These biomarkers help doctors understand tumour biology and determine whether certain treatments may be appropriate.
Breast-conserving surgery removes the cancer and a surrounding margin of tissue while preserving most of the breast. A mastectomy removes the breast tissue. The appropriate surgical approach depends on factors such as tumour characteristics, extent of disease, breast anatomy, previous treatment and the overall treatment plan.
Not everyone with breast cancer needs chemotherapy. The decision depends on factors such as the type and stage of cancer, tumour biology, lymph-node involvement, overall health and the expected benefit of chemotherapy. In selected situations, additional tests may help inform the decision.
Hormone therapy is used for breast cancers whose cells contain hormone receptors, such as oestrogen or progesterone receptors. Depending on the clinical situation, it may be used before or after surgery or for recurrent or advanced hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer.
HER2-targeted treatment may be considered when breast cancer has relevant HER2 characteristics. The specific treatment and timing depend on the stage, tumour features, previous treatment and the individual's clinical situation.
Immunotherapy may be appropriate for selected breast cancers, including certain triple-negative breast cancers. Whether it is suitable depends on the cancer's characteristics, stage and the overall treatment plan.
Radiation therapy is commonly considered after breast-conserving surgery and may also be recommended after mastectomy or in other clinical situations. The decision depends on the cancer's characteristics, stage, surgery and other treatment factors.
Yes. In selected situations, systemic treatment may be given before surgery. This is called neoadjuvant treatment. The choice depends on the cancer type, stage, tumour biology and the overall treatment strategy.
Yes. Breast cancer treatment may involve surgical oncology, medical oncology and radiation oncology, along with radiology, pathology and other healthcare professionals when appropriate. Different specialists may contribute at different stages of care.
Bring available pathology and biopsy reports, imaging reports and scans, previous treatment records, operative or discharge summaries, your current medication list and relevant medical history. Genetic reports and information about significant family cancer history can also be useful when available.
Yes. A second opinion can involve another specialist reviewing the diagnosis and proposed treatment plan. Pathology reports or slides, imaging and previous medical records are useful for this review. The second specialist may confirm the existing plan or discuss alternative approaches.
Bring your pathology reports, imaging and previous treatment records for a detailed oncology consultation at Precision Oncology Clinic, Vijayanagar, Bengaluru.
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