Breast Cancer Care · Chennai

Oncoplastic Breast Surgery: Can Cancer Removal and Breast Reconstruction Be Combined?

Oncoplastic Breast Surgery in Chennai combines cancer removal with breast reshaping or reconstruction techniques in selected patients. The goal is to treat breast cancer appropriately while considering breast shape and appearance.

Learn how breast-conserving surgery, reconstruction, treatment planning and recovery may fit into an individual breast cancer care plan with Dr. Srikarthik Voleti, Surgical Oncologist and Robotic Cancer Surgeon.

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What Is Oncoplastic Breast Surgery?

Oncoplastic breast surgery combines the principles of breast cancer surgery with breast reshaping or reconstructive techniques. The cancer is removed according to the treatment plan, while the surgeon considers how to preserve or restore breast contour where possible.

Oncoplastic Breast Surgery in Chennai may be considered for eligible patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery or, in selected cases, mastectomy with reconstruction. The best option depends on the diagnosis, tumour location, breast anatomy and treatment requirements.

Important: The primary objective is appropriate cancer treatment. Reconstructive decisions are planned around the individual's oncological needs.

Can Cancer Removal and Breast Reconstruction Be Combined?

Yes. For suitable patients, cancer removal and breast reshaping or reconstruction can be performed during the same operation. In other cases, reconstruction may be delayed until after the initial cancer treatment.

Breast-Conserving Surgery

The surgeon removes the tumour and a margin of surrounding tissue. The remaining breast tissue may be reshaped to help maintain its contour.

Mastectomy With Reconstruction

When mastectomy is necessary, immediate or delayed reconstruction may be discussed. Options depend on the patient's health, cancer treatment plan and preferences.

Immediate reconstruction is not appropriate for every patient. The surgical team will explain the available options, potential benefits, risks and alternatives.

How Does Oncoplastic Breast Surgery Work?

1. Assessment

Breast imaging, biopsy results, tumour characteristics and the overall treatment plan are reviewed.

2. Cancer Removal

The planned operation removes the cancer. The specimen is assessed by pathology, including evaluation of surgical margins.

3. Reshaping or Reconstruction

Suitable patients may undergo breast tissue reshaping or reconstruction according to the agreed surgical plan.

Final pathology results may affect further treatment recommendations. Additional surgery may occasionally be required if the findings indicate that more tissue needs to be removed.

Types of Oncoplastic Breast Surgery

Breast-Conserving Surgery With Reshaping

When the cancer can be removed while preserving the breast, the remaining tissue may be rearranged to reduce contour changes. The technique depends on the volume and location of tissue removed.

Therapeutic Mammoplasty

In selected patients, breast reduction or reshaping techniques may be combined with tumour removal. Suitability depends on the tumour, breast anatomy and the planned cancer treatment.

Immediate Breast Reconstruction

Reconstruction is performed during the same operation as mastectomy. Depending on individual circumstances, options may include implants or reconstruction using the patient's own tissue.

Delayed Breast Reconstruction

Reconstruction is undertaken at a later stage. Timing may depend on healing, additional cancer treatment, medical factors and patient preferences.

Who May Be Suitable for Oncoplastic Breast Surgery?

Patients considering breast cancer surgery can discuss oncoplastic options with a qualified surgical oncologist. Assessment usually considers:

The size, location and extent of the tumour.
Breast size and the amount of tissue expected to be removed.
Biopsy, imaging and pathology findings.
The feasibility of obtaining appropriate surgical margins.
Whether radiotherapy or other cancer treatments are planned.
General health, healing considerations and personal preferences.

A personalised assessment helps determine whether breast-conserving surgery, oncoplastic reshaping, mastectomy with reconstruction or another approach is most appropriate.

Benefits of Oncoplastic Breast Surgery

Breast Contour

Reshaping may help reduce visible contour changes after tumour removal in appropriate patients.

Coordinated Surgical Planning

Cancer removal and breast shape management are considered together in the operative plan.

Breast Preservation

Some patients may be candidates for breast-conserving surgery instead of mastectomy, depending on the diagnosis.

Individualised Reconstruction

Reconstruction options and timing can be tailored to clinical requirements and patient preferences.

Outcomes vary. Surgery cannot guarantee a particular cosmetic result, and the expected benefits should be weighed against risks and alternatives.

Risks and Recovery After Oncoplastic Breast Surgery

Possible risks include bleeding, infection, fluid collection, scarring, changes in breast sensation, wound-healing problems, asymmetry and the need for further surgery. Reconstruction can have additional risks depending on the technique.

What Influences Recovery?

The type and extent of the operation.
Whether reconstruction is performed.
Individual healing and general health.
Whether radiotherapy, chemotherapy or other treatments are required.
The postoperative care and follow-up plan.

Follow-Up After Surgery

Follow-up appointments allow the team to assess healing, review pathology results and coordinate any further treatment. Activity and wound-care instructions should be followed according to the treating surgeon's advice.

Does Oncoplastic Surgery Affect Other Cancer Treatments?

Oncoplastic surgery is part of a broader cancer treatment plan. Depending on the type and stage of cancer and the pathology findings, additional treatment may include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy or other recommended approaches.

Not every patient requires every treatment. The timing of reconstruction and its relationship to radiotherapy should be discussed with the treating team before surgery.

Oncoplastic Breast Surgery in Chennai With Dr. Srikarthik Voleti

Dr. Srikarthik Voleti

Surgical Oncologist & Robotic Cancer Surgeon

Dr. Srikarthik Voleti's website lists his qualifications as MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Surgical Oncology) and MRCS (Edin).

Patients exploring Oncoplastic Breast Surgery in Chennai can enquire about a consultation to discuss their diagnosis, breast cancer surgery options and suitability for reconstruction.

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Explore Other Cancer Treatment Services

Explore the following areas of cancer care through Dr. Srikarthik Voleti's website.

Breast Cancer Treatment → Breast-Conserving Surgery → Robotic Cancer Surgery → Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery → Head and Neck Cancer Surgery → Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgery → HIPEC and Cytoreductive Surgery → Surgical Oncology →

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Frequently Asked Questions About Oncoplastic Breast Surgery

1. What is oncoplastic breast surgery?

It combines breast cancer removal with breast reshaping or reconstruction techniques when appropriate, with the aim of treating cancer while managing changes in breast shape.

2. Can cancer removal and reconstruction be performed together?

Yes. Selected patients can have reshaping or reconstruction during the same operation. Others may benefit from delayed reconstruction.

3. Is oncoplastic surgery the same as mastectomy?

No. Oncoplastic surgery is an approach that may be used with breast-conserving surgery or reconstruction following mastectomy.

4. Who is eligible for oncoplastic breast surgery?

Eligibility depends on tumour characteristics, breast anatomy, imaging, pathology, general health and the proposed treatment plan. A surgical oncologist can assess individual suitability.

5. Does oncoplastic surgery always preserve the breast?

No. Some procedures preserve the breast, while mastectomy may be necessary for other diagnoses. Reconstruction may be considered where appropriate.

6. Will I need chemotherapy or radiotherapy after surgery?

Further treatment depends on the cancer type, stage and pathology results. Your oncology team will recommend treatment based on your individual diagnosis.

7. How long does recovery from oncoplastic breast surgery take?

Recovery varies according to the operation, reconstruction method, healing and other treatments. Your surgeon will provide a personalised recovery plan.

8. Will surgery restore the original breast shape?

Reshaping may improve contour, but scars, asymmetry or changes in sensation may remain. A specific cosmetic result cannot be guaranteed.

9. Where can I enquire about oncoplastic breast surgery in Chennai?

You can visit Dr. Srikarthik Voleti's official website to enquire about a consultation and discuss suitable treatment options.

10. How do I choose a breast cancer specialist in Chennai?

Review relevant qualifications, surgical experience, hospital facilities, treatment options, communication and follow-up arrangements. Discuss the benefits, risks and alternatives for your diagnosis.

Enquire About Oncoplastic Breast Surgery in Chennai

Submit your details to enquire about a consultation with Dr. Srikarthik Voleti.

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Kauvery Hospital – Radial Road

2/473, 200 Feet Radial Road, Ganapathy Nagar, Kovilambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600129.